{"id":1424,"date":"2024-02-23T12:33:24","date_gmt":"2024-02-23T12:33:24","guid":{"rendered":"\/?p=1424"},"modified":"2024-03-15T11:08:16","modified_gmt":"2024-03-15T11:08:16","slug":"bite-down-with-braces","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/mypearlandcosmeticdentist.com\/bite-down-with-braces\/","title":{"rendered":"Why can't I bite down with braces?"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"Why can't I bite down with braces?\" This question may have crossed your mind if you're experiencing discomfort or difficulty while biting down with braces. Whether you're new to braces or have been wearing them for a while, understanding the reasons behind this issue is crucial for managing your orthodontic treatment effectively.<\/p>\n

Transitioning to life with braces brings a significant change to your everyday routine, particularly when it comes to chewing and biting down. Before braces, you were accustomed to the natural movements of your teeth while eating. However, with the introduction of wires, brackets, and rubber bands associated with traditional metal braces, your biting experience undergoes a transformation. While these components exert pressure to align your teeth properly, they also introduce discomfort, especially during the initial stages of treatment. As your teeth begin to shift, so does your bite, making you think, \"Why can't I bite down with braces?\"<\/p>\n

In this blog, we'll explore the common reasons why biting down with braces can be challenging and provide insights into how to address this issue for a more comfortable orthodontic experience.<\/p>\n

Why Do My Braces Hurt When I Bite Down?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Following are the reasons why your braces hurt when you bite down:<\/p>\n

Your Braces are Still Settling In<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Your braces are new, so your mouth isn't used to the pressure yet. Your ability to bite down effectively may take more time, depending on how your braces are installed. In these new circumstances, your teeth may meet in different places when chewing.<\/p>\n

Your increased sensitivity may also stem from the pressure your teeth experience while chewing anything but soft food. When you bite or grip food, the braces may interfere, and you may worry they'll snap off.<\/p>\n

Your Teeth are Moving<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Feeling soreness from braces might not feel great at first, but it's a sign they're working. Your teeth are shifting from their current spots to better positions in your mouth.<\/p>\n

But your teeth aren't eager to move, so they need some coaxing. Just like any part of your body under stress, it might hurt initially, but the pain will ease as you get used to it.<\/p>\n

Your Bite Alignment is Off<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Braces do more than just fix misaligned bites; they also address various other dental issues. Your bite is influenced by how your upper and lower jaws come together \u2013 ideally, your upper and lower teeth should fit together properly. However, misaligned bites can lead to overbites, underbites, crossbites, and open bites, disrupting your normal bite and making it harder to fully bite down.<\/p>\n

Your Orthodontist Installed Bite Blocks<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Sometimes, orthodontists place bite blocks when the top teeth touch lower braces to prevent contact between the two sets of teeth. This helps protect your brackets from breaking when you bite down and assists your braces in moving your teeth when you close your mouth.<\/p>\n

Eating Hard Foods<\/strong><\/h3>\n

With braces, eating hard or chewy foods becomes more challenging. For instance, biting down completely on granola bars may be difficult and could cause discomfort or messiness. Therefore, it's best to stick to soft foods like mashed potatoes for a while or cut your food into smaller pieces that require less chewing.<\/p>\n

Wearing Braces: What to Avoid?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Be mindful of what you eat, especially avoiding hard and crunchy foods that put pressure on your upper and lower teeth, such as:<\/p>\n