How often to change elastics?

[bmueller]

My Orthodontist gave me instructions to change my elastics once a day and that I'm allowed to take them out for meals but put the same pair back on. I've heard some people who change their elastics more often, even as short as every 4 hours. Does this really make a big difference? I have enough elastics that I could change them more often than once a day but I don't want to waste my time if its no more effective. Have there been any research studies proving any of these theories?

Thanks!

[JillD]

I used to change whenever I had to take them out, which turned out to be four or so each day. My package said "Single Use Only."

[isthistaken]

Daily is fine according to my ortho.

[Duncan5]

Same instructions from my ortho - replace once a day, and remove for eating and cleaning (which are the same thing really...). I think the daily change is more hygiene than mechanical. They certainly seem as happy to ping into the far corners of the room whether fresh or used. D.

[midnight]

I was told to change them at least once a day but I change them every time I eat/brush my teeth and the ortho said that was fine - the only thing that mattered is that they were changed at least once as they will loose their elasticity. I leave the same ones on for 12 hours overnight and then the others get changed after 6 hours between breakfast and lunch and 4 hours between lunch and dinner. Not sure it's any more effective to change them more often or not though? I guess not otherwise surely they would say?

Saying that, I'm getting through them very quickly as I tend to drop a lot on the floor too...