Biting off braces

[Rockiesmom]

hi guys!

my almost 12 year old ADD kiddo got an expander, a Herbst and braces on his front teeth.

He keeps fidgeting with his front braces and keeps biting the upper braces off with his lower teeth about once a week.

It’s absolutely accidental and I don’t think he can do anything about the fidgeting.

Anyone here that has ideas? He can’t have him either but is there something he can maybe chew on in his mouth?

Thanks for your collective wisdom!

Rachel

[LlamaMomma]

I don’t have a great suggestion, but you’re not alone! We’ve had a similar problem with our son and his braces. 3 weeks in a row he bit hard items he shouldn’t have (a clasp on his back pack, a ping pong paddle, etc.) and knocked a brace loose. We’ve had to constantly tell him to keep his fingers and other stuff out of his mouth.

He was taking ADHD medication only on school days. Now we have him taking it 7 days a week, and it seems to be better.

[Rockiesmom in reply to LlamaMomma]

Thanks for you encouraging words - they mean a lot. Let’s hope 3 is a Charme and he will be fine after

[Onthemove1971]

I am sorry to say this is why I made the decision to not do braces. If he wants them he can pay when he is an adult. I had a very bad experience with renting a violin ( which is required in school) for him and he was admit he didn't damage it. The man told me there way No way he didn't do the damage..

I can only take so much!

Best of luck. And sorry to sound so harsh.

[Rockiesmom in reply to Onthemove1971]

Sorry to hear you felt this way.

I feel like my son will be able to manage eventually, it just may take longer than for “normal” kiddos.

[Knitting20projects]

I wonder if your orthodontist would have suggestions? There are specific “chewy sticks” you can use for Invisalign clear aligners but I don’t know if they’re safe to use with your son’s braces & other appliances. I feel your pain!!!! I am a severe tooth clencher & night grinder even clenching when awake. It looks intentional & is incredibly hard to stop doing it. I hope you find something useful.

[WTsunshine in reply to Knitting20projects]

The chewies are for aligner use. If they are what you are referring to.

[Rockiesmom in reply to WTsunshine]

Good to know, I will check with the Orthodontist this weekend.

[WTsunshine]

Hi, not sure who your orthodontist is, or if they offer it but Invisalign first might be an option. Not all orthodontists use Invisalign but it can provide a great, gentle, parent friendly option. My child is in this now.

Also a positive is that there are very few appointments required and kids can remove the aligners at any time to brush and eat.

There are no brackets to bite down on. Definitely worth looking into. I ve had both braces and Invisalign myself and found Invisalign much more comfortable. 🤷‍♀️

always good to have options.

[Rockiesmom in reply to WTsunshine]

That’s a good thought. I’ll see what the orthodontist has to say this weekend.