Elastics

[mandla]

Today for the first time my Orthodontist placed elastic from my premolars to my canines both sides. I am in pain especially in my right hand side. Eating is difficult . I thought that elastics comes when all gaps are closed. I still have big gaps between canines and 4 front teeth on both sides. Is it normal to use braces at this stage?

[Mpkh]

I've had elastics since day 1. Elastics use varies on the treatment and what needs to be done. Elastics are a pain but wear them as prescribed and you may shave time off your treatment! Take them out till when you eat.

Good luck!

[Beckett]

I got elastics at my first 6 week appointment and have worn them in some configuration or another for my entire treatment. Wear them as directed and in a couple of days they shouldn't hurt as much. I was advised to remove them for eating, you could probably do the same as long as you put them back in as soon as you are done and have brushed. I don't even think I could eat with them in, I've got triangles right now and they're sort of in the way up front. It's even difficult to drink from a glass. My water cup in my fridge has a straw.

[mandla]

I've had elastics since day 1. Elastics use varies on the treatment and what needs to be done. Elastics are a pain but wear them as prescribed and you may shave time off your treatment! Take them out till when you eat.

Good luck!

Thanks for the encouragement

[mandla]

I got elastics at my first 6 week appointment and have worn them in some configuration or another for my entire treatment. Wear them as directed and in a couple of days they shouldn't hurt as much. I was advised to remove them for eating, you could probably do the same as long as you put them back in as soon as you are done and have brushed. I don't even think I could eat with them in, I've got triangles right now and they're sort of in the way up front. It's even difficult to drink from a glass. My water cup in my fridge has a straw.

Thank you for your response. it's comforting that in a few days it won't hurt as much and would be able to eat

[djspeece]

I foolishly thought I could get away without elastics, since they were not applied when I was braced. At the next appointment I was brought back to reality, and wore them for the entire three years of treatment. I am not a fan, but as others have pointed out they are a necessary evil. Best of luck to you and hang in there!

[tiger15]

hi,
i got my elastics at the 3. adjustmet of my braces :-)
i have to wear them from my upper canines to my lower molars for 24 hours.

[sacktheqb65]

I kind of want elastics, at least short term. I figure if I'm going to have braces I might as well have the whole experience!!!

[ProudMama1015]

I kind of want elastics, at least short term. I figure if I'm going to have braces I might as well have the whole experience!!!

I feel the exact same way. lol I guess we shall see what happens. lol

[sacktheqb65]

Well I got my wish... had my consult today and went ahead and got wired up and now i need elastics for the whole time in braces starting today. 16-20 months. Be careful what you wish for, right?!?!?!