How often to change elastics?

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jaynage
Posts: 22
Joined: Fri Mar 24, 2006 6:03 am

How often to change elastics?

#1 Post by jaynage »

Hello all!
Last week my orthodontist started me on elastic bands. He gave me a bundle of them and told me to wear them all the time, except when I am cleaning my teeth. He said I only need to change them once every 24 hours.

My question relates to this topic of changing. I've read that others change their elastics to new ones more often than once a day. Is there a reason why I should be leaving them for 24 hours? I'm quite the chatterbox, and I do notice that they lose their tension very quickly. I'm also wondering whether by only changing them every 24 hours, I'm potentially prolonging my period of elastic wearing. Surely if I was changing them more often, the added tension would make for quicker bite correction?

If anyone can help, please do!
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Attagirl2
Posts: 703
Joined: Thu Apr 14, 2005 8:19 am
Location: Ohio

#2 Post by Attagirl2 »

hi jaynage. I change my elastics 3 times a day. That being said, we don't know what your orthodontist has planned for you. He may want slow movement, or your teeth may only need to move a small amount. There could be any number of reasons for him to have you change them only once a day. I would give his office a call and ask them, if it concerns you.

I know for me, if I eat with them in, they break and I have to replace them. I try to time my eating around when I am due to change them. Maybe this is why he only told you to change them once a day....? (just a thought)
Had Damon 3 / Smart Clips for almost 2 years
Now in Hawley upper 10 hours/day, permanent lower retainers
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nvcarissa
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Joined: Mon May 23, 2005 7:06 am
Location: Northern Nevada
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#3 Post by nvcarissa »

Go with what your ortho told you. My ortho had me in elastics that I had to change 4 times a day to force quick movement of a molar in time for surgery. Now that I have had my surgery, my oral surgeon cut my wires and put me in elastics that only need to be changed once a day, as these are not for movement but fixation of my jaw for a few more weeks. Sounds like your ortho is just working on slow movement, but you ought to ask what the elastics are for, and would it hurt to change them more than once a day. You may just be able to call the office for the answer to that question.
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Braced 5/11/05, BSSO with advancement 6/21/06, Debanded: 8/1/07. Click on www for my braces story.
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jaynage
Posts: 22
Joined: Fri Mar 24, 2006 6:03 am

#4 Post by jaynage »

Thanks guys!
Stupid as it may sound, the idea of slow movement hadn't even really occured to me! I guess we are all just in a rush to get these damn things off and enjoy our beautiful smiles :D

I'll check with my ortho, but thanks for the tips!
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