elastics question

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#1 Post by **Flora2006** » Thu Sep 21, 2006 12:17 pm

I'm sorry if this has been answered already, but do you all change elastics every time you take them out to eat and such? Or do you all put the same elastic back?

Thanks!

#2 Post by **Leslie022** » Thu Sep 21, 2006 1:20 pm

If I'm taking them out then I'm going to put new ones in...it doesn't make sense to put nasty ones back in my mouth.

#3 Post by **Attagirl2** » Thu Sep 21, 2006 1:49 pm

Hi Flora, how often you change elastics depends on what your orthodontist wants you to do. I was instructed to change them 3 times a day, but as the bite improved, I was to only wear them at night. I would suggest you check with your orthodontist.

#4 Post by **Jillianleab** » Thu Sep 21, 2006 2:03 pm

I agree with what Attagirl2 said - it depends on what your ortho instructed you to do. Mine told me to wear the same pair all day, and only change them in the AM. I'm also suppsed to keep them on while eating.

#5 Post by **lionfish** » Thu Sep 21, 2006 4:17 pm

Apart from instructing me to wear them all the time, my ortho didn't specifically issue instructions on how often to change elastics. I asked one of the techies and she said to change them every time I clean my teeth (thus three times a day, after meals).

I don't think I could get through the day with only one set; I find that extended wear makes them a bit fragile and it doesn't take much jaw action to break them. I've had several snap on me while eating. Maybe I'm just "heavy duty" on elastics!

#6 Post by **vivi** » Thu Sep 21, 2006 6:00 pm

uh oh I put the same elacstics back on! The dentist assintant did not say when I was supposed to change them and I forgot to ask! I dont even remember if I am supposed to take them off while I sleep. Today is my first day with elastics and is so uncomfortable! I thought I was going to have to wear them my last year but nooo I've had the braces for only 4 months. Oh I was going to ask you guys something else, where can I buy another bag of elastics the ortho only gave me a small bag and I dont think is going to be enough if I'm going to change them 3 times a day.

#7 Post by **lionfish** » Thu Sep 21, 2006 6:08 pm

Ask your ortho for another bag. At the same time, you can ask how often you're supposed to wear and change your elastics.

Website · #8 Post by **alexa** » Thu Sep 21, 2006 6:35 pm

I put new ones in, unless I've forgotten them at home, in which case, the same ones have to do.

You should probably ask your ortho what he/she wants you to do though.

#9 Post by **Flora2006** » Thu Sep 21, 2006 7:28 pm

Thank you guys so much for all your replies!

My ortho only told me to wear them at night and when I'm home...He knows how self-conscious I am about all this stuff so he went easy on me and said I didn't need to wear them when I'm out...but to wear them when I'm home and sleeping. That's all he said though. He gave me 2 bags though so I'm guessing I can change them a few times a day...