My kid had to get a bridge last year (he’s only 12), and honestly, I was way more anxious about it than he was. At first, he said it felt “weird” or “too big,” but after a couple months he stopped mentioning it. Now, unless he’s eating caramel or something super sticky, he doesn’t even think about it. It’s not exactly the same as a real tooth, but it’s really close—definitely not something that gets in the way of everyday life.
That’s kind of reassuring to hear, because I still notice mine after a year. Did your kid ever complain about food getting stuck under the bridge? I worry about that all the time. Sometimes I wonder if I’ll ever stop being so conscious of it...
Sometimes I wonder if I’ll ever stop being so conscious of it...
Man, I totally get that. It’s like your tongue has a sixth sense for bridge detection. My son’s never actually complained about food getting stuck, but he did try to use a toothpick and nearly poked a hole in his cheek—so now we’re all about those little floss threaders. Honestly, the self-consciousness fades a bit, but whenever popcorn’s involved? Game over. Just part of the “new normal,” I guess.
That “new normal” phrase really hits home. I see a lot of folks who are hyper-aware of their bridge at first, especially with foods like popcorn or even bread sometimes. Over time, most people seem to adapt, but there’s usually at least one thing that always feels a bit off—like the way flossing changes, or how your tongue just can’t leave it alone. Do you find it’s worse after certain meals, or is it more of a constant background thing for you?
I’d say it’s more of a background thing for me, but it definitely flares up after chewy stuff—bagels, for example. My tongue just can’t leave the edge alone, even years later. Flossing is a whole new adventure too... took me ages to get used to those little threaders.
