After Getting Braces, I Can't Seem to Bite Properly, Is This Normal?

Question

I just got braces on the top set of teeth 3 days ago, and since then, I couldn't bite down properly. This is due to the edges of the top back teeth coming in contact with the center of my bottom back teeth. It feels as if the top back teeth are facing outward and the bottom back teeth are slightly facing forward. Is this normal for a 16 year old?

Russell Sutliff, DDS · Answer

Yes, this is not uncommon. When our teeth come into contact the feeling we sense is sent to the brain by the ligament that holds our teeth in the boney socket. Bite down and that feeling is generated by nerves that are associated with the ligament that is being stretched by the contact by the opposing tooth. During orthodontics, this "periodontal ligament" is stretched and strained constantly and can become temporarily hyper-sensitive....especially at first. It only makes sense that if the teeth are going to be repositioned the bite will "feel off"....it will be "off". Be patient! After a while, you will adapt to this changing condition and it will be much less noticeable. Advil and an easy-to-eat diet will see you through these first few days of your amazing journey! Good luck, my friend.

After Getting Braces, I Can't Seem to Bite Properly, Is This Normal?

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