crossbite elastics: how good and fast do they work?

[Anna5]

Hello!

Since last week I am in crossbite elastics. I have one elastic that goes from the inside of my upper molar to the outside of my lower molar. I was wondering, how long does it take before you can see some improvement? Hoe long did you need to wear crossbite elastics? And were they succesful in solving your crossbite? I was recommended SARPE, but declined because I first wanted to see what elastics can do. I hope they can do a good job or at least bring some improvement!

[LSinclair]

I was told that I would need to wear elastics to correct my crossbites and was wondering the same thing. I have not started my braces at the moment but was wondering how that part was going to take place and for how long.

[Snowglobe32]

When I had my crossbite elastics, the inside ones, I think it only took 2 to 3 months then I was able to stop wearig them. So as long as you wear them as instructed, it shouldn't take too long.

Also, these elastics are longer than the regular elastics so I would twist them 6 or 7 times. My ortho said as long as it was comfortable, then it was ok.


Good luck!

[Enchanted]

Following as I too will need elastics so am wondering how long that part of the process will take.

[Anna5]

I wore my crossbite elastics for only one months and my ortho saw a huge difference! So they can work very fast.
I wore them faithfully as instructed (24 hours a day), I think if you do that then they work like magic. My ortho was also surprised they worked this fast!

[LSinclair]

When I had my crossbite elastics, the inside ones, I think it only took 2 to 3 months then I was able to stop wearig them. So as long as you wear them as instructed, it shouldn't take too long.

Also, these elastics are longer than the regular elastics so I would twist them 6 or 7 times. My ortho said as long as it was comfortable, then it was ok.


Good luck!

I was wondering what was the purpose of twisting the elastic?

[nikkibabie19]

Twisting the elastic would create greater resistance or tension therefore lengthening the time u can wear one without having to change it out because of lack of resistance. When its slack it doesnt do much. Plus he said it was longer than regular elastics. So twisting would create greater tension.

[Snowglobe32]

I didn't twist my elastics 6 or 7 times to lengthen wear time (although that is a great idea!)...I did it to move the process along faster. He said to twist them 2 or 3 times but like Niki said, they were really lose and I didn't feel like they were doing anything with 2 or 3 twists. But greater tension is what we want!

[LSinclair]

Thank you for the clarification. I will remember to twist when I get to that point in my treatment.

[fulldiastemahead]

I wore my crossbite elastics for only one months and my ortho saw a huge difference! So they can work very fast.
I wore them faithfully as instructed (24 hours a day), I think if you do that then they work like magic. My ortho was also surprised they worked this fast!

Question for you: If your orthodontist saw improvement in your bite by your next appointment, were you able to discontinue the elastics then and, if so, did they remove the button from the inside of your molar?

I got a cross bite elastic at my last adjustment and saw improvement almost immediately. I have been wearing one non-stop outside of eating, even though I was advised I only had to wear it at night. My next appointment is 2/12 and I'm wishing and hoping and praying that my diligence will lead to release from this button. It is seriously cramping my style!

[Anna5]

My ortho saw improvement after me wearing crossbite elastics for one months! I was able to discontinue the elastics, but they did not remove the button on the inside, because I might need it again later in the treatment.

[fosterp]

I had a crossbite similar to yours on one side. I could see the difference after about a month, and after 3 months my ortho said he was "satisfied" with the correction.

As far as surgery - if I could go back and do it again I would have done the surgery (if money wasn't an issue). SARPE isn't the most invasive procedure (isn't anything like actual jaw surgery) and it provides a more aesthetic result, and a real wider smile. My crossbite is corrected, but I would liked if it my bite was less narrow than it is. Elastics simply tip the teeth - you don't get too much gain in actual arch width.

[Anna5]

As far as surgery - if I could go back and do it again I would have done the surgery (if money wasn't an issue). SARPE isn't the most invasive procedure (isn't anything like actual jaw surgery) and it provides a more aesthetic result, and a real wider smile. My crossbite is corrected, but I would liked if it my bite was less narrow than it is. Elastics simply tip the teeth - you don't get too much gain in actual arch width.[/quote]


I think I would have preferred to go for surgery also to get the best results, if only I had the courage (and the money)......But I am happy that our crossbites were fixed with elastics. And I love your smile now, fosterp. Your teeth have improved so much!!! I hope your regret about not going through the surgery prevents you from being happy with your teeth now, because I really think they are beautiful.

[nightmare56]

I wore 6 elastics starting day one. then reduced to 4 after 6months, then 2 elastics for 2 months. It took about 10 months total but i only had to wear them while sleeping. You get used to it after a while and 10 months doesnt seem that long after a while :P. good luck.