Wearing double elastics

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#1 Post by **TheGreatDebater** » Fri Jul 25, 2008 10:16 pm

I was just given elastics at my last appointment, and I don't find them too bad. They make a triangle between my canines and the two teeth below them (sorry I don't have a picture). I can handle pain pretty well, so that's not an issue. But I'm going to debate camp next week, which will probably involve a lot of speaking, and my articulation is already a bit on the slaughtered side with braces, and with elastics it's even worse. I have ceramics, so the judge can't always see my braces and may not be so forgiving (case and point: it affects mine and my partner's score somewhat). I plan on having my elastics out quite a bit. I have already started wearing two at the same time at home when I don't have to talk that much, and at night. Is it ok to do this? I'm really trying to get my braces off as soon as possible, and whatever my orthodontist is trying to accomplish with these elastics (he's not great at communicating those sorts of things to me) needs to happen before I can get them off. Thanks!

#2 Post by **lionfish** » Fri Jul 25, 2008 10:28 pm

I would wear your elastics strictly in accordance with your ortho's instructions. If he said wear them at all times, do that. Unless he said to double up, I wouldn't do that. It could also lengthen your treatment process.

From a previous post, you mentioned you had a slight open bite. It sounds that the elastics configuration you've got is to close your bite so that your front teeth can make contact.

FWIW, I managed to speak quite audibly with four vertical elastics in my mouth at once.

Please confirm with your ortho exactly how your elastics should be worn.

#3 Post by **uga09** » Fri Jul 25, 2008 10:47 pm

If your ortho wanted more pressure being exerted, he/she would have given you heavier elastics. Wearing double elastics doesn't make up for not wearing them. Constant pressure (as prescribed) is needed for your bite to be corrected.

#4 Post by **purpleteeth** » Sat Jul 26, 2008 7:05 pm

I have worn double elastics because my ortho told me to. I had springs attached next to where my elastics were placed, which shredded the elastics, so I was told to double them --- otherwise, I was switching them every hour or so. I only did this for a short period of time though... and then the doubling was told to stop, after the springs were taken off.

I talk for a living and my elastics still frequently get cut with my wires, even without the springs in place. I currently DO NOT DOUBLE, as my ortho has told me it wasn't necessary. I just kinda "know" when to replace them.

Please talk with your ortho before doubling. It might not be necessary - mine was because I kept on literally cutting my bands in half, so the other elastic was as backup.

#5 Post by **Danielle** » Sat Jul 26, 2008 8:05 pm

I agree with what everyone else has said. I've been wearing elastics for well over a year and at times they've been very difficult to put on and take off--they're still kind of annoying but I've never thought to double them up instead of not wearing them.

#6 Post by **-Michael-** » Tue Aug 05, 2008 10:55 pm

I just got heavier elastics. The really thick ones. They definitely exert more force than the 'medium' ones do. When I had mediums, I tried doubling them up. But I realized that wasn't good. Extra force at the wrong time can move teeth too fast and put unwanted additional pressure on your teeth. Braces already cracked one of my bottom teeth which totally sucks but the ortho didn't seem phased by it and didn't even tell me to get it checked out by the dentist.

I also noticed that about 1 in 10 (or so) elastics that come out of the bag aren't equal to the others. I quickly throw those away and grab another one. I want the full effect of every elastic.

I have 3 elastics going, all going from top to bottom. I have a box in the center, and a triangle on either side. I even learned to eat with them on, since my doc said specifically to wear them as much as possible on a 24-7 basis.

#7 Post by **rolo** » Wed Aug 06, 2008 1:12 pm

I would talk to your ortho about it. I spoke to my ortho and he thinks he can work my treatment with just night time use. I realise each case is individual, as is how easy you find it to wear elastics, but they might be able to accomodate some time off, and if not at least you will know what the consequences would be and make an informed choice.

When I got my linguals I was worried about the affect on speech, a friend who is a speech and language therapist suggested I sang along to CDs which I did for a whole weekend, and at the end of it speech was fine, maybe that could work for you too.

Hope this helps.