Wearing elastic rubber bands - I like it - Weird?

[flips712]

So I've been wearing heavy duty Sea Lion rubber bands in a posterior box configuration on both sides for two weeks. Is it strange that I actually enjoy wearing the bands? I like the way my bite feels when I'm wearing them and really hate to even take them out to brush. I wear them while I eat until they break although sometimes they manage to stay intact throughout my entire meal. I'm almost in month 5 of my 12 to 15 month estimated treatment time. How long do most people typically wear their rubber bands for? Do you usually wear them until you're de-banded? I'm really hoping they prescribe a stronger heavier band at my next adjustment. So please people tell me I'm not alone in feeling this way....?

[isthistaken]

Sometimes I do like the bite better with rubber bands, but sometimes they are rather annoying.

[Jborders12]

I've been wearing bite closing elastics (figure 8 ) for about a year now. I don't mind them although I remember them hurting here and there the first couple weeks I had them on.

Like you, my elastics have completely transformed my bite. I enjoy wearing them as well because I can feel my bite becoming straighter/more aligned. I do not, however, eat with them in. Nor do I speak at work in meetings with them in.

[djspeece]

I hope I like them (getting a bracket rebonded this afternoon) and get over the feeling that my mouth is about to fly apart.

[bmueller]

I think it is great you can have such a positive attitude.

I had no problems when all I had was braces. As soon as I got elastics, I have been a wreck. I cry almost every day. I hate that I can't talk well, I can barely open my mouth, and I have to limit when I eat and am constantly hungry. I was told I would only be wearing them for 3-4 months and now am going on more than 7 months even though I wear them religiously. The configuration I wear makes me look like I have vampire teeth and I hate how I look. At times, I feel they have ruined my life. I don't go out to eat and I don't like to socialize. I even canceled a vacation because it's too much of a hassle.

[marybee]

So I've been wearing heavy duty Sea Lion rubber bands in a posterior box configuration on both sides for two weeks. Is it strange that I actually enjoy wearing the bands? I like the way my bite feels when I'm wearing them and really hate to even take them out to brush. I wear them while I eat until they break although sometimes they manage to stay intact throughout my entire meal. I'm almost in month 5 of my 12 to 15 month estimated treatment time. How long do most people typically wear their rubber bands for? Do you usually wear them until you're de-banded? I'm really hoping they prescribe a stronger heavier band at my next adjustment. So please people tell me I'm not alone in feeling this way....?

I like the way my mouth feels when I wear the elastic, the bite is better. I wore mine most of my treatment and now I'm down to just nights.

[oldfart]

I know I 'may' take them out to eat. But how many people just leave them in and go with the flow?

[bmueller]

When I had braces/elastics as a kid, I was told to wear them while eating. It got really annoying when they would break while eating.

The ones I have this round are really strong and I've tried eating with them a few times and each time they end up breaking or coming off. Then I have to fish around my mouth through the food to find the elastic and pull it out. Icky! Wish I could have worn them 24/7, maybe my treatment would have gone faster!

[AM21]

I do like the way they make my bite feel but I find them pretty annoying and will be happy once I don't have to wear them anymore. :p

[arciedee]

I sort of enjoyed the elastics the first couple weeks I had them (I'm not in braces, but in Carriere distalizers). After the first couple days I got to the point where I loved changing them and feeling that snug feeling again (I also sleep with a heavy comforter even in the summer and I love the lead blanket they put on you for x-rays, so....). Then at 4 weeks in I was changed to this extremely heavy elastic and... yeah, not having so much fun anymore! It's getting better, but it's been a much bigger adjustment than I was expecting, especially since the first two sizes I wore went so well!

I do wear mine when eating, but only because I was instructed to. I don't enjoy it, but it hasn't been as big of a deal as I feared initially.

[Rockskier]

The day I got my braces on (in April 2013), I found out I will be getting elastics in about July (2nd or 3rd adjustment). I'm really annoyed with the metal brackets and am not looking forward to the elastics. I am looking forward to getting my bite fixed. I'm glad to hear someone actually likes them. I can understand that while sleeping. Is it hard to talk and eat with elastics?

[flips712]

The day I got my braces on (in April 2013), I found out I will be getting elastics in about July (2nd or 3rd adjustment). I'm really annoyed with the metal brackets and am not looking forward to the elastics. I am looking forward to getting my bite fixed. I'm glad to hear someone actually likes them. I can understand that while sleeping. Is it hard to talk and eat with elastics?

Hi Rockskier,
I only found it difficult to eat and talk with elastics for the first few days. It kind of amuses me when the bands snap while eating or when I'm laughing and open my mouth too wide, which happened last weekend when I went out drinking with friends. They also seemed entertained as well.

I think everyone's level of comfort or there lack of really boils down to the strength of the elastic band that you're given and the specific configuration. As a kid I had to wear headgear at night so to me wearing elastic bands is a walk in the park. The more consistent you are about wearing your bands 24/7 or as prescribed, the less discomfort you'll feel.

[PatientPatient]

I was given elastics on my first day, is this unusual?
I think they are quite weak, Quail I think they're called.

[Anna5]

I am going to get elastics next months. I am actually looking forward to this, because I hope they will improve my bite a lot.
But when I read some of your stories, it can be hard as well.... Poor you, bmueller, that you even cancelled a vacation because of this... Your teeth look great already, so I hope you will get them off very soon!

[bmueller]

I think a big part of what bothered me is the configuration.

I had class II elastics only as a kid (and wore them for more than a year) and they never bothered me one day! Now, I have these triangles in the front and back that make it hard to eat and talk which is super frustrating. I spit on everyone and have to shout to be heard when I talk.

I was going to go to San Diego, but I can't snorkel with these elastics in, so there went the trip!

I wish everyone the best with the elastics improving their bite. My ortho says I'm like the best patient ever with wearing them so she's seen quick results. It really is up to you to keep your treatment moving and if it makes your teeth and bite feel better, all the power to you!