Braces and bite blocks - anyone had teens with the latter?

[Titsywoo]

Ds got his braces put in on Tuesday and they added bite blocks to his top 2 back molars to stop him damaging the bottom braces when he bites down. He's coping well but struggling to chew as his molars no longer meet and it's frustrating for him. Anyone with any experience of this? Would like to be able to tell him it will get better! The orthodontist didn't mention she was putting these in until the end and there was no real time to ask questions.

My dd has removable braces with blocks, she removes them to eat. Are his fixed?

Yes unfortunately! They are smaller than the removal blocks. Here's a pic...

I had these when I had braces a few years ago. They do get easier but, you do need to adjust what type of foods you eat. Lots of soft foods. It's worth the sacrifice for the short time the braces and bite blocks are in.

My Dd currently has braces but, they didn't put the blocks in.

Poor lad hopefully they get more comfy with time

Mine had these. She struggled for a few days but was fine. Apparently as your bite changes it gets easier.

Oh dear solo. How long did you have them in? I'm a bit annoyed they didn't explain about them to be honest. Ds is autistic and I told them i was worried he would have issues with the braces and the feel in his mouth (luckily not been an issue) but there's been no info on the blocks at all. I had to Google it.

Thanks Trewser that is reassuring.

Thanks hellymelly

Anyone else?

2 years. But the blocks do wear down over that time, and after a while you don't even think about them being there.

Thanks solo - I think it is starting to get better for him. His front teeth are very sensitive at the moment so biting into stuff is proving tricky. He is being patient though thankfully!

Ortho nurse here, he'll get used to them soon and they'll grind themselves down

Titsywoo get your Ds some Sensodyne Rapid. Expensive but, worth it for him to use throughout the process. Make sure it's the right one; it's not the one you can get in Poundland; I recently bought it from Wilko's for £3:00 a tube and it was £5:00 in Boots. Even if Ds only uses it when it's painful (after adjustments going forward), like now :).

I think we actually have some of that Solo - I'll dig it out for him, thanks

Lots of soft foods at first. They do adjust and the sensation gets better. Watch out for the first couple of tightening sessions as they hurt for up to a week after, so may need similar food adjustments. This also gets better as the alignment improves. My eldest struggled with braces at first, but now they are just part of the furniture (so to speak)

Sensodyne Rapid Relief