Tongue Tamers

[USNrecruiterguy]

I got my braces on Monday, 5 February. I will have them for 24 months. Next appointment they told me that they will be placing tongue tamers. Has anyone had experience with them? I just don’t know what to expect and the kinda look scary.

[USNrecruiterguy]

So update on this thread.
Yesterday I went to the orthodontist and had my first adjustment. Things went pretty smoothly; however, I got tongue tamers. I knew it was coming just didn’t know what to expect. Now I have to say I have no clue how to function. No matter what I do my tongue makes contact with these death spikes on the back on my front lower teeth. Can anyone help me by telling me how to better retrain my tongue so I can quickly stop stabbing myself every time I move my tongue.

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[EmilyTravels]

I developed a tongue thrust habit after breaking my jaw and messing up my occlusion. This tongue thrust was causing my bite to open in front -- not good.

My ortho tech. gave me exercises to do which basically consisted of standing in front a mirror and swallowing ten times with my tongue on the roof of my mouth (but not touching the back of my upper teeth) several times per day. When I wasn't doing the exercises, every time I remembered during the day I'd place my tongue on the roof of my mouth (where it is supposed to be naturally) and off the backs of my teeth (either uppers or lowers).

I was pretty obsessed with doing this off and on all day, and even at night when I'd wake up. Gradually, the tongue thrust ceased. You really can retrain your tongue!

So the key for you looks to be about the same to keep your tongue away from those evil pokers on the back of your lower teeth -- consciously move your tongue to the roof of your month anytime you think about it, but don't press it against your upper teeth when you swallow. Practicing in front of a mirror is helpful at first but will not be necessary for long, once you know how it feels to swallow and eat normally.

Good luck -- those look scary!

[claudiofranck]

Hello:

In previous posts I told my story, summarizing I developed a tongue thrust as an adult and it is giving an open bite. My ortho recommends tongue crib but has given me the choice to try tongue spurs aka tongue tamers.
I was not able to start my treatment yet because of work, I have had a couple of back to back projects that require em to travel a lot, I wold to start my treatment knowing I will be home at least 2 or 3 months to get used to braces and whichever appliance I choose the get used to it before being away form the ortho.

Although the tongue tamers she showed are a little more extreme than yours and from canine to canine upper and lower jaw both, could you let me know how that has been? is it getting better? is it helping?
And for me the more important issue is speech, how do they affect your speech?

good luck and Regards

[EntrancedBoar91]

No matter what I do my tongue makes contact with these death spikes on the back on my front lower teeth. Can anyone help me by telling me how to better retrain my tongue so I can quickly stop stabbing myself every time I move my tongue.

Hi there. It does sound like you need some exercises to help correct your tongue thrust. If your problem is mostly with swallowing then it may help to google "Mew Push Swallow Part 1". He shows a couple exercises to learn proper swallowing. Also maybe google myofunctional therapy tongue thrust exercises? Not sure what will come up but there may be something.

If you are really having difficulty then you may want to ask your ortho or dentist if they know of any myofunctional therapists in your area. It is probably pretty costly but a few sessions (and diligence on your part in doing the exercises they teach you on a regular basis) can help you get proper oral function. This would help ensure relapse won't as easily occur after your ortho treatment... Hope this helps! Good luck! It's not easy to develop new habits but it is worth it