Should I keep elastic on while eatting??

[jtsang]

I read that I speeds up teeth shifting? Anyone know?

[catwanabee]

As long as it doesn't snap on you, go for it.

[TheKT]

I try to but sometimes they snap.

[jtsang]

I have been eating with it on.. lost one this after noon during lunch.. didn't realized it until lunch was almost over... it's gross to know that you swallowed an elastic that has been in your mouth all morning...

[djspeece]

Advice given by orthos seems to vary by each individual patient, so I would go with whatever your ortho recommends. Mine said they can come out during meals. I don't know that taking them out for meals makes a big difference in the overall plan, but again I depend on my ortho's direction.

[Ellabelle]

My ortho told me to leave mine in, but he told my SO to take his out. I think for us the difference is the configuration. I can open my mouth wider so it's not as big of a deal. And I have also heard it can speed movement to leave them in. Your jaw "learns" to move in this different position. I'm totally used to eating with them. And then wow, do the new ones feel strong once you clean your mouth and put them in!

[nightmare56]

i like to take mine out because they get stretched out while eating which I would think makes them less effective. I put in strong fresh ones afterwards :)
talk to your ortho first.

[sirwired]

I think it depends on the configuration. Some configurations can be worn while eating, with others it's pointless as it's inevitable they'll come off.

[NervousNewbie]

I'm with nightmare56. I take mine out because I want to put in fresh ones after I eat since they'll be stretched out after eating, plus it's a good way to remind myself to change my bands.

[Lorianne]

I have to leave mine on 24/7. I leave them in while eating as much as possible. If I'm trying to eat something wide, like a burger or a sandwich, then i might take them out otherwise I can't fit the food in my mouth!