it seems. It is really hard to talk when you can't open your mouth like normal. I sure hope that it gets better. I have to wear them 24/7 and only take off for eating and brushing. I was told to change them 3 times a day. My next appointment is in 7 weeks. I am sure that it varies, but is it common for the elastics to be used for a portion of the treatment in the middle or am I sentenced to elastics for the remainder of my treatment. I sure hope not. They came a lot earlier than I expected.I was braced on January 31st, will have my Suresmile scan next time and estimated debanding is somewhere in Feb or March of 2008.
I had a really hard time getting used to my braces and not to be self concious about them. Now, I feel like I am back to square one with my mouth full of rubberbands
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I am 5 months into treatment, and I've also been given elastics as of 3 weeks ago to correct an overjet (overbite). It isn't easy wearing these braces or elastics, but I find that since we've come this far, we have to keep a good attitude and go with the flow. (Which isn't always easy). I'm just glad I wasn't given elastics at the beginning of all this. 
You just have to get used to them, like you eventually got used to the braces. Sounds like you're having quite the time opening your mouth. I feel for you, but some day when our teeth are real nice we will all look back and realize it was worth it. 