elastics question

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#1 Post by **BraceUrself** » Thu Oct 19, 2006 8:16 pm

So, I now have to wear elastics & change them 3 x a day-I have no problems with them, but I wonder how many kinds of elastics are there? I am wearing manatees(if anyone can relate to the size) and I know the sizes will change, well when we first get archwires, there is a certain size of wire, is it somewhat similar with elastics that you keep changing size etc & if so, how many sizes or #'s are there in elastics? TIA!

#2 Post by **JumpTheDitch** » Fri Oct 20, 2006 3:57 am

Dunno BraceUrself, I know orthos use differing classes or strength elastics accoding to their requirements but I don't know if they start you off on the lighter ones and then increase the tension or not.

I just got elastics this week as well; I have to wear them 24/7 excpet when eating/brushing but I only have to change them once a day.
My ortho was going to start me on the 'light' ones, but decided at the last minute to give me 'medium-light' ("chuck" 1/4 : 6.4mm, apparently (??)). I don't know if he's planning on increasing the strength, I'm not sure if he knows. He did say he wouldn't know how long I'd need to wear them; he'd assess the progress @ each appointment.

I'm glad he's moving things along (literally & in a general sense) but I'm not mad keen on this 'jaws wired together' sensation.
The things we do for healthy, straight teeth and a good bite!

Good luck

#3 Post by **jennielee81** » Fri Oct 20, 2006 9:03 am

My elastics have not changed in the 6 months I've been wearing them. I get my braces off in November (touch wood) so they're not going to change.

I wear moose and impala at the same time. The configurations have changed which applies forces in different places and even has changed the amount of force effecting one side.

...there is a certain size of wire, is it somewhat similar with elastics that you keep changing size etc

Not saying that nobody's elastics change, just that it's not like archwire strength changing.

Best wishes to you!!

#4 Post by **lionfish** » Fri Oct 20, 2006 12:42 pm

I started with "Bill" (3/16", medium) in a box formation on my premolars in early August. I wear these 24/7. Two days ago, I had some more of Bill added (nights only) from the inside of my upper canines to the outside of my lower canine/incisors in a triangle formation (sorry, don't know teeth numbers). Coupled with the box elastics, this is intended to finish the job of closing my bite. It feels a bit like my mouth is in a vice with this lot in place.

#5 Post by **lionfish** » Fri Oct 20, 2006 12:42 pm

oops - double post.