How long until my bite is back and I can chew?

Message

#1 Post by **mitchejk** » Wed Oct 28, 2009 7:50 pm

Hi all,

It's been a week since I've been braced and I still can't chew. Not because of pain but because my teeth don't actually "meet" at any point. I have a 100% overbite with clear on top and metal on bottom. Anyone else have a similar experience and any advice on when I can expect to chew again?

Thanks,
J

#2 Post by **gapbegone** » Wed Oct 28, 2009 8:24 pm

Hi mitchejk,

We may have different circumstances, but a similar problem. I had metal put on my lowers and uppers. While at the bracing appointment, I found my top two middle teeth slammed into my lower two middle teeth when I closed my jaw. I immediately found this to be painful and difficult and explained to the ortho assistant. She had the answer: she put bumpers on my two bottom teeth. Great.... no more slamming. However, now my teeth don't touch each other anywhere!! I went home and realized I had much difficulty chewing- my molars (or any teeth for that matter) simply do not meet when I clamp down.

I have since just lived with it. I hear some people have had buildups or something on their molars to help them chew more properly, but I have a bunch of composite fillings and really would just prefer to stay away from those. So, I chew a lot with more my tongue than anything!!! I really still do not chew, 3 months in braces next week. I cannot tell if pasta is ready, because I do not have a bite; whether meat is tough or not, cannot tell because it is all tough to me. I found I even have to cut up spaghetti or I can risk choking on it because I cannot bite all the pieces thoroughly.

Good luck to you!! My husband told me day 1 of my braces that I would learn to eat, and surprisingly I have. I still can't chew at all, and eating takes me FOREVER!!! but I certainly have not starved and do eat somehow!

#3 Post by **mitchejk** » Wed Oct 28, 2009 8:36 pm

At least I don't feel like I'm going crazy! Everyone I know says I should talk to the Ortho because that doesn't seem right... but mechanically, it makes perfect sense that I can't chew. I just want to make sure I'll be able to chew again at some point! So 3 months and still no bite... at least I've already learned the tongue trick just like you've described.

Thanks for sharing, I feel much better knowing I'm not alone!
J

#4 Post by **gapbegone** » Wed Oct 28, 2009 9:31 pm

Well, If you feel like you want to speak with your ortho, please do! I know we all have different situations and I am certainly no expert. Even just a call into their office may put your mind at ease.

You say "So 3 months and still no bite".... I don't think I came off very clear when I described my situation. I cannot chew because of the bumpers on my teeth. If those were removed, my top arch and bottom arches would touch each other. I may not have the perfect bite because things are still moving, but my problem is from these bumpers they put on which keeps my arches from touching one another.

What is the reason you cannot chew? Are your teeth hitting brackets and keeping your arches from meeting? Could you chew properly before the braces were put on?

Hopefully someone who has a similar overbite can chime in on the chewing. Good luck!

#5 Post by **Donna** » Thu Oct 29, 2009 2:18 am

I had the same problem. I don't remember exactly how long it took for things to feel semi-normal, but eventually you will be able to chew. I don't know if you just get used to it and 'learn' how to chew again, or if your bite will shift... But it will get better!

I remember the first few days after getting braces and all I could eat was yogurt and swallow noodles. I was hungry and pissed! Now I can eat pretty much anything.

Hang in there!

#6 Post by **drrick** » Thu Oct 29, 2009 6:44 am

It will get better and better every day. As your teeth level out the back teeth will get closer and closer together making it wasier to chew.

#7 Post by **hal2me** » Thu Oct 29, 2009 9:18 am

Hi Mitchejk,

I had this problem as well. Once your teeth shift into position, your bite will come back. Two weeks ago I had to have a molar banded. All of the sudden my teeth did not touch anymore because I kept biting on the new bracket. It's been two weeks now and my teeth are back to touching. It is very annoying at times, but it does get better. Be prepared for this happening a few times during your treatment.

Congratulations on starting your new journey!

#8 Post by **mitchejk** » Thu Oct 29, 2009 8:10 pm

Thanks for all your encouraging words. I've had braces a week now and I think my "way back" teeth are getting closer to each other. I chew like a dog or cat eating peanut butter but at least I'm not starving as much as before!

Only 17 months and 3 weeks to go!

J

#9 Post by **Takako** » Sat Oct 31, 2009 6:35 am

I was biting a bracket after my very first appointment! My teeth were fairly close to touching even with that though, so it wasn't much f a problem. I know what you mean about hitting your front teeth together; ow!! It's so unexpected! You're just talking or eating and then - CLONK -ow!