The metallic taste thing is so real—I thought I was the only one who got that weird “licking a penny” sensation, especially with coffee. It’s like your taste buds just revolt for a while. I totally get what you mean about being self-conscious, too. I kept asking my partner if my breath was weird, and they always said no, but I never fully believed them.
Kettle chips are my weakness too, and I made the mistake of trying to eat one after a tightening. Bad idea. It felt like chewing gravel and I instantly regretted it. I’ve found that rice cakes are a decent substitute for crunch, but honestly, nothing really hits the same.
It’s strange how unpredictable it all is—one adjustment I’ll be fine with yogurt and soup, and the next time even those feel off. I’ve started rotating through different “soft foods” just in case my taste buds get picky again. The only constant seems to be that it eventually passes... until the next round, anyway. Hang in there—it really does get easier to roll with the surprises over time.
That metallic taste is the worst—like, why does it always hit harder with coffee? I swear, I started drinking everything through a straw just to avoid it. And kettle chips after a tightening... you’re braver than me. I learned the hard way that even biting into a soft bagel can feel like an Olympic event. Has anyone else noticed their teeth randomly squeaking against each other after an adjustment? It’s like my mouth’s got its own soundtrack now.
Has anyone else noticed their teeth randomly squeaking against each other after an adjustment? It’s like my mouth’s got its own soundtrack now.
Yes! That squeaking thing freaked me out the first time. Nobody warned me about it—thought I was going nuts. Also, is it just me or do hot drinks make the metallic taste even worse? I keep wondering if it’s all in my head, but it’s so weirdly specific.
Also, is it just me or do hot drinks make the metallic taste even worse? I keep wondering if it’s all in my head, but it’s so weirdly specific.
You’re definitely not the only one. I swear every time I have coffee after a tightening, it’s like licking a handful of pennies. I kept thinking maybe it was just in my head, but it’s such a strong taste. I’ve started using a straw for anything hot, just to keep it away from the brackets a bit—doesn’t totally fix it, but maybe helps?
The squeaking is wild too. I remember the first time it happened, I thought something had gone wrong and I’d have to pay for a repair. Turns out, it’s just another weird part of the process. At least it means things are shifting, right? That’s what I tell myself anyway, especially when I’m looking at the bill...
It’s strange how nobody really talks about these little side effects. Makes me wonder what else is coming up that I haven’t budgeted for—or mentally prepared for. But hey, we’re all in the same boat, and eventually, we’ll get those straight teeth.
That metallic taste with hot drinks is so real. I thought it was just me being overly sensitive, but coffee after a tightening honestly tastes like I’m drinking from a metal cup or something. Using a straw does help a little, but it’s weird trying to drink tea that way—feels wrong somehow.
The squeaking caught me off guard too. I was convinced something was about to snap, and I kept checking in the mirror to make sure nothing was broken. My orthodontist said it’s just the wires moving, but it still makes me anxious every time I hear it.
It’s surprising how many little things come up that no one warns you about. I keep wondering if there’s some secret list of side effects that only people with braces know. The cost and the weird sensations are stressful, but at least reading these posts makes it feel less overwhelming. Guess we just have to keep focusing on the end result...
