I actually had the opposite experience—my teeth didn’t feel loose at all after getting the braces off, just super smooth and kind of slippery. The tongue thing was real though. For me, eating normally again felt weird for maybe a week, but I didn’t have to chew on one side or take tiny bites. Maybe it just depends on how much your bite changed?
My kid just got their braces off last month and honestly, I was expecting the “loose teeth” thing everyone talks about, but it was more like what you described—just super smooth and almost slippery. But I did notice they kept poking at their teeth with their tongue for days. Did anyone else’s kid complain about their teeth feeling “too big” or “in the way” after? Mine said eating felt weird, but not painful, which surprised me.
I’m still a little worried though. Is it normal for them to be nervous chewing harder foods again? Like, should I let them bite into apples or is that risky right after debonding? The orthodontist said it’s fine but I can’t help feeling anxious... Don’t want to mess up all that work! How long before things feel truly normal again?
Is it normal for them to be nervous chewing harder foods again? Like, should I let them bite into apples or is that risky right after debonding?
That nervousness is really common—my daughter was super hesitant with anything crunchy for weeks. Even though the orthodontist gave us the green light, we started with softer foods and worked up to apples (sliced, not whole) just to be safe. The “teeth feel too big” thing happened here too, and it faded after a month or so. I’d say trust your gut and let them take it slow. It’s a big transition, but things do settle back to normal before long.
My son was super weirded out after his braces came off—he said his teeth felt “slippery and huge,” and he was convinced they’d snap if he bit into anything hard. We kept things easy for a while, mostly pasta and scrambled eggs, then worked up to toast and finally apple slices. Whole apples still freak him out, honestly. I think it’s totally normal for them to be nervous. Their teeth just feel different, and it takes a bit to trust that things won’t break. If they’re not ready, no need to rush it.
Their teeth just feel different, and it takes a bit to trust that things won’t break.
That “slippery and huge” feeling is so real—it honestly threw me for a loop too. I kept checking my teeth in the mirror, convinced they looked weird. Did your son have trouble with hot/cold foods right after? I remember ice water felt bizarre for a few weeks.
