hook for getting elastics on

Message

#1 Post by **ren** » Tue Jan 31, 2006 10:17 am

Hello, I've read on this site about a plastic "hook" that helps getting the elastics on easier. I've asked my Ortho and he said to use tweezers-which don't work for me. Does anybody know of a website where I can purchase this hook? I would really appreciate this info!!!
Renee

#2 Post by **Metal Mouth Guy** » Tue Jan 31, 2006 11:54 am

#3 Post by **ren** » Wed Feb 01, 2006 7:42 am

Metal Mouth Guy, you're the best!! Thanks so much for pasting that link on the post!!

#4 Post by **kirst1583** » Wed Feb 01, 2006 8:12 am

I was given one of those by my ortho because I had trouble keeping the elastics on. I could get them on fine but they'd keep popping off.
If I were you I wouldn't even bother with the hook thing... I found it useless - it's much easier to get used to doing it with your fingers. That's just my opinion though.

#5 Post by **Metal Mouth Guy** » Wed Feb 01, 2006 9:12 am

Ren - you're very welcome.

And I have to agree with Kirst. Even with my fat fingers, the elastics were easier to get on without using the elastic tool. But it probably depends on the configuration.

MMG

#6 Post by **jenns91civic** » Wed Feb 01, 2006 11:40 am

same here. I just used my fingers. My cousin had a zig zag configuration for her last month in braces and she had to use a metal dental scaler thing to get them OFF in the mornings but it was easier to get them on with just her fingers.

#7 Post by **Echo** » Wed Feb 01, 2006 11:33 pm

Weird....I find it easier to use the plastic hook my ortho gave me. My elastics are so tiny, and I have the triangle configuration. They took one look at my acrylic nails and gave me two of the plastic hooks! I use the hook end to hook the elastic across the bottom two hooks on my braces, then I use the other slotted end to push the elastic up and over the top hook of my braces. I find it way easier than fingers alone!

#8 Post by **Echo** » Wed Feb 01, 2006 11:34 pm

Forgot something.....www.jawproducts.com sells the plastic hooks. I just purchased some colored elastics from them.

#9 Post by **ren** » Tue Feb 07, 2006 7:06 am

thanks for all the help & tips! I ended up growing my fingernails out and that seems to be the best thing that's helped me! I use the nail to hook it around the other end of the button.

echo-that's the coolest website! colored elastics are so cool!

ttyl, renee

Tue Feb 07, 2006 11:01 am

Echo. I have a triangular config also and I couldn't do it WITHOUT my acrylic nails. I haven't been able to master that little plastic hook gizmo.

Last week my ortho told me I was wearing my elastics TOO MUCH. He said to just wear them at night. I almost kissed him !