What the........

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#1 Post by **Lisablueeyes1** » Mon Jun 07, 2010 8:15 pm

Heck was I thinking!!!! Had my 2nd adjustment today!! Power chain on all my teeth, top and bottom! Ouch..... And the joy of elastics. I have to Nestsay it feels like I got hit in the mouth! I know it will be worth it in the end. Question: are all the elastics the same? Lisa

#2 Post by **Snowglobe32** » Mon Jun 07, 2010 11:20 pm

I got a power chain on the bottom about 8 weeks ago. I have to go in tomorrow for possibly one on the top. So far, the PC is the worst pain I have endured. I had bad pain from days 2-4, then less pain for a few more days after. They work super fast though.

#3 Post by **macgirl4ever** » Tue Jun 08, 2010 4:27 am

As much as it hurts, chewing helped me to adjust to elastics better. I think the rationale is that chewing increases blood flow to the gums. I used freedent chewing gum because my ortho doesn't supply wafers.

Not all elastics are the same. They come in different thicknesses/strengths as well as different sizes. Most companies label the bags with either an animal or a country that designates it's size. Your orthodontist also has a few dozen configurations s/he can prescribe you wear based on your bite and/or progress in treatment. (I hope that's what you were asking-your question was a little ambiquious.)

#4 Post by **Lisablueeyes1** » Tue Jun 08, 2010 4:34 am

Thanks for that info......my elastics say sh4. Is this only the start of what I'm having to go trough?????

#5 Post by **Margie** » Tue Jun 08, 2010 11:40 am

I have had my braces for just over a year now. I got my first power chain (across top 6 teeth) about 11 months in, and I got another power chain (bottom 6 teeth) and elastics at around the year mark. I didn't have any pain with my elastics or power chains, mostly just pressure.

However, my first couple of adjustments always caused some pain and all they did was change the wires.

#6 Post by **hal2me** » Wed Jun 09, 2010 7:09 am

My first adjustments also seem to hurt more than others. However, this past adjustment I got a powerchain across the top front six teeth and elastics. This was the worst adjustment yet! I thought the pain would go away after having been in braces for 15 months now. I hope the power chain comes off soon!

#7 Post by **Bekah** » Wed Jun 09, 2010 9:03 am

I got my first powerchain at around the 11 month mark and have been in them ever since! I also have been in elastics for almost a year too. They change the configuration every once in a while, but they do move teeth REALLY fast! I had three gaps on Monday and today they are completely gone. Teeth hurt for about a week after I change configurations but after that, they are ok.

I hope that this helps.