That’s honestly reassuring to hear. I keep worrying that I’ll never stop noticing mine, like my tongue’s just gonna be obsessed with it forever. It’s only been about ten days for me, but the “foreign object” feeling is still strong. I’m extra anxious because I had a crown years ago that never felt quite right—always a little too high, and I’d catch myself clenching a lot. This bridge is better, but I’m still super aware of it, especially at night when everything’s quiet.
I do get some jaw tension too, and sometimes my bite feels just a bit off, which freaks me out even though my dentist swears it’s fine. I keep checking in the mirror and poking at it, which probably isn’t helping. Soft foods are definitely easier, but I miss crunchy stuff already. Part of me is convinced I’ll always notice it, but reading your experience makes me feel a bit less panicky about it. Guess I just need to give it more time... easier said than done when you’re overthinking every little twinge.
I keep worrying that I’ll never stop noticing mine, like my tongue’s just gonna be obsessed with it forever.
I totally get this—my tongue was on a mission to inspect every millimeter for weeks. For me, it took maybe a month before I stopped thinking about it all the time. I still notice it sometimes, but way less now. Crunchy food was scary at first, but after a couple more weeks I started easing back in (carefully). If you’re worried about the bite being off, maybe ask if they can do a tiny adjustment? That made a difference for me and didn’t cost anything extra.
I totally get this—my tongue was on a mission to inspect every millimeter for weeks.
That’s exactly what’s happening to me right now, it’s like my tongue has a mind of its own. I’m glad to hear it faded for you after a while. Did you notice any changes in how things tasted or felt when you started eating crunchy stuff again? I’m kinda nervous about biting into anything hard, just in case. Also, how long did it take before you could forget about the bridge for a bit? Right now it just feels huge.
Right now it just feels huge.
That’s the part no one really prepares you for, right? I remember thinking there was no way I’d ever stop noticing it. For me, the “huge” feeling started fading after a couple weeks, but honestly, it took a good month before I wasn’t hyper-aware of every bite. My tongue was obsessed—like, constantly poking and prodding at the edges. I even caught myself doing it in meetings and had to stop mid-sentence once or twice.
As for crunchy stuff, I was super cautious too. The first time I tried biting into an apple again felt like a big deal. It was more a mental thing than anything else, though. The bridge held up fine, but I did chew slower and on the other side at first just to be safe. Texture-wise, things felt a bit off for a while—almost like there was a layer between my food and my teeth. That faded eventually, but taste didn’t really change much for me.
I totally get being nervous about biting into hard foods. My dentist said to avoid anything super sticky or hard (like caramels or ice cubes), but regular crunchy stuff was OK after the first week or two. Still, that hesitation stuck around longer than necessary... probably just me overthinking.
I have heard from some people that they never 100% forget about their bridge, but honestly, most days now I don’t notice mine at all unless something gets stuck or I’m flossing. It’s not quite like having your own tooth back, but it’s close enough that you stop obsessing after a while.
Curious—did your dentist give you any tips for getting used to it? Mine suggested practicing with softer foods first then gradually working up to crunchier stuff, which helped ease my paranoia a bit.
For me, the “huge” feeling started fading after a couple weeks, but honestly, it took a good month before I wasn’t hyper-aware of every bite.
That’s exactly where I’m at right now—every little thing feels magnified. I keep thinking, “Is this what it’s going to be like forever?” The tongue thing you mentioned is so real. I swear mine has developed a mind of its own and just can’t leave the bridge alone, which only makes it feel bigger.
I really appreciate hearing that the “layer between food and teeth” sensation fades. That’s been one of the weirdest parts for me. It almost feels like eating with a mouthguard sometimes? Not painful or anything, just... off. My dentist said that’s normal, but it helps to hear someone else say it too.
It’s interesting what you said about crunchy foods. I’ve been sticking to softer stuff because I’m still paranoid about breaking something (even though logically I know it should be fine). The advice to start soft and work up to crunchier things makes sense—kind of like physical therapy for your mouth, in a way. Did you notice any difference with hot/cold foods at first? I’ve had some sensitivity on the side with the bridge, but maybe that’s just my nerves adjusting.
One thing my dentist suggested was chewing gum on the opposite side for a while, just to get used to having something in my mouth again without putting pressure on the bridge. Not sure if that actually made much difference, but maybe it helped distract me from obsessing over it.
I do wonder if I’ll ever truly forget it’s there. Like you said, some people always notice theirs, but most seem to adapt eventually. For now, I’m just trying not to overthink every meal or conversation (which is harder than it sounds). Your experience gives me hope that this “huge” feeling won’t last forever—even if it takes a little longer for some of us than others.
