That tingling thing really threw me for a loop too. I remember after I got my partials, there’d be this weird pins-and-needles feeling, almost like my mouth had fallen asleep. Some days it’d fade quick, other times it stuck around. Made me nervous that something was wrong, but the dentist said it’s just nerves getting used to the change. Did your daughter ever complain about sore spots or rubbing? Took me ages to get past that without worrying I’d done something wrong...
Did your daughter ever complain about sore spots or rubbing? Took me ages to get past that without worrying I’d done something wrong...
Yeah, I totally get that. When I first got my braces, I kept thinking every sore spot meant something was messed up. Turns out, it’s just part of the whole adjustment thing. Wax helped a ton for the rubbing, but honestly, the nerves and tingling were the weirdest part for me. It’s wild how your mouth just needs time to figure things out.
Turns out, it’s just part of the whole adjustment thing. Wax helped a ton for the rubbing, but honestly, the nerves and tingling were the weirdest part for me.
Honestly, I’d say don’t brush off sore spots too quickly. A little discomfort is normal at first, but if it’s really persistent or gets worse, sometimes it’s worth checking in with your ortho. I’ve seen cases where a bracket was just a bit off or a wire was poking too much—nothing major, but small tweaks made a big difference.
Wax is a lifesaver, totally agree there. But for some folks, salt water rinses can help with healing those irritated spots too. And about the tingling—yeah, that can feel super weird! Usually it’s just nerves adjusting, but if you ever get numbness that doesn’t go away, don’t ignore it.
I remember when my nephew got his braces—he thought he’d never be able to eat pizza again because of all the rubbing at first. A couple weeks in and he was back at it (just maybe not with crust that could double as a weapon). Sometimes you just need to experiment with softer foods until things settle down.
Wax is a lifesaver, totally agree there. But for some folks, salt water rinses can help with healing those irritated spots too. And about the tingling—yeah, that can feel super weird! Usually it’s just nerves adjusting, but if you ever get numbness that doesn’t go away, don’t ignore it.
I totally relate to the tingling bit. That was honestly the weirdest part for me too—like this low-key buzzing in my gums? I kept poking at my cheeks because it felt so off. I actually freaked myself out thinking something was wrong, but it faded after a week or so as my mouth got used to everything.
The wax trick is great, but I found myself running out way faster than I expected. Ended up improvising with bits of sugar-free gum when I was desperate (not sure if that’s recommended, but it saved me during a long class once). Salt water rinses helped with those little cuts on the insides of my lips—heals things up pretty quick.
About sore spots, I'm glad you mentioned not brushing them off. My ortho told me any pain that gets sharper or lingers longer than a few days might mean something’s actually poking where it shouldn’t. Like, one time a wire slipped and started stabbing into my cheek... didn’t even realize until I started getting these tiny ulcers. Quick fix at the office and suddenly eating wasn’t torture anymore.
Honestly, eating was probably harder for me than talking at first. I had to give up crunchy stuff for a while—no chips or carrots—which was rough. Mashed potatoes and scrambled eggs became my best friends for a bit. Did anyone else have trouble with talking? My “s” sounds were all over the place for about a week and my friends wouldn’t let me live it down.
Curious if anyone's found foods that are both easy on your mouth and not super boring? Or do you just kind of accept soft food life until things settle down?
