Metal Mouth Message Board

Last week I got rubber bands for the first time and went through the typical adjustment period with soreness and such, but what hasn't been typical (from what I can tell) is that the rubber bands have actually been cutting my cheek just as much as the brackets/wires ever did. I'd gotten used to using wax on the braces, but that does not seem to be an option with the rubber bands and since I constantly have them in, the cuts and sores are not really healing. My boyfriend did not believe the rubber bands could cut me this way, but I'm sure that they are. I can look in my mouth and see exactly where the rubber band lines up with the damage. I took a pic for proof to him, and can post it here if asked, though I'm not sure how.

Anyway, I'm just wondering if anybody else went through this and if they had a solution. I want to be good about wearing my rubber bands, so I'm not going to take a break from them and I'm hoping there's another option.

Currently, I'm wearing a total of 6 elastics, post surgery. I haven't noticed the doubled up Class II triangles on the sides actually cutting my cheeks, but I have noticed that my cheeks stick to them very well and leave indentations. For me, I think this is a result of having such limited range of motion (absolutely zero) when I have my elastics in. I literally can't open my mouth when my elastics are in...it's hard to say if I have swelling that is flaring up or what's going on in there. I take them out to eat, which cuts down on my cheeks rubbing against the elastics but it doesn't solve the problem. I don't completely feel your pain, but I do understand the frustration. I haven't found a way to make the indentations stop, even when I have ice packs on my face roughly 12 hours a day.

If I were you, I'd mention this to your orthodontist. Maybe there's something else they can do for you. Definitely keep us posted.

I think the elastics can definitely cause mouth wounds, but, unfortunately, wax won't be of any help for this (in my experience). I recommend lots of warm salt water rinses...this was the only real relief I have found from rubber band abrasions. Your mouth will toughen up eventually, but it may feel like forever!

I'd recommend frequent rinses with Gly-Oxide (or generic) to "debride" the tissue (10% Carbamide Peroxide) and Rincinol. (May be special-order at the pharmacy; it's a product from GUM)

A topical corticosteroid could speed your healing. I don't think any that are safe for in-mouth use are available OTC in the US, but your ortho might be willing to call in a prescription for you.