Metal Mouth Message Board

Today I got my lower braces fitted. I knew it was going to be difficult because I have a deep bite and my top teeth do not fit over my bottom ones now. The thing is, I am feeling a bit miserable as my teeth do not touch (one front tooth touches the front of a lower bracket and that's it)! It will be at least a month until things improve. Can anyone tell me how long it took for them to get used to this kind of situation? Maybe I just need to hear that other people have got through it ok. I have read the strings about soft foods which have been a real help and I am looking forward to mashed potatoes n gravy!

Hi, Geri.
This problem need not last long. I bit on my lower brackets for only about 10 days, until my upper canines had been pulled upwards, into the jaw and then it was all over.
Huon

Hi Huon,

Thanks for your reply - it does help to know for sure that it gets better. Ten days isn't too bad. I am sure I can manage until then. It's already a bit easier. I think I was a bit panicky last night because my jaw was tired after the 1.5 hr appointment in the morning and was sort of 'locking'. So the upshot was that I couldn't open (wide) or close (totally) my mouth . Not a happy situation. Still, this morning things were on their way to getting back to normal which was a huge relief.

Keep thinking positively, Geri. If you look at some of the progress pics that have been posted, you will see how quickly the archwire straightens out, showing that the problem teeth have moved vertically. Once this happens, the brackets that you have been hitting are out of reach and the problem is over. Look in the mirror and I'm sure that you will see that it is happening already.
Huon

Geri!
I hope everything gets better soon! I get bottom braces in 2 weeks and I also have a deep bite! I also get turbos for my deep bite then.Is the reason why you can't bite down because you have turbos or something like them? If so, what are they like?
Good luck!

-Hannah

Hi Geri
I am in exactly the same position as you. Bottom braces fitted on monday and now the only contact is top right cannine with bracket on bottom right cannine

I am discovering the joys of smoothies (good way to get fruit), mashed potatoes, swede and carrots. Fish is OK providing it is poached soft, and of course soup.

Like you I hope it does not last too long, but am prepared to get through it if it means longterm benefit.
Good luck with this challenging bit and enjoy the mash
Dee

Hey Huon - you are right - I can see some movement - at last! Thanks again for your support

Hannah164 - hello! The reason I can't bite down is because of my top teeth hitting the lower brackets. As I understand it, turbos are put on to stop this happening, ie so you don't bite the brackets off. But my ortho said it would be better if I could just be careful not to bite them off so they wouldn't have to add the cement to my back teeth. So far I haven't done any damage to the brackets but then I have had a couple of sharp reminders! Sorry I can't tell you what it is like to have turbos, but others have (Jaws I think is one) and you can do a search. Good luck with getting your bottom brackets and keep us posted!

Dee- hi there - so you know the feeling well then! Thanks for the comment and reminders about what foods are good to eat at this time....mmmmm mashed swede is delicious - I will get some for dinner. Best of luck to you as well.