rubber bands

[CountessDeSangre]

So I was wondering how long does it take for rubber bands to correct an overjet? I've had them for about 3 weeks now and while it is easier to get them on and off when its time to eat, but I still see NO progress or any change at all.

[klobird]

Hey Countess--I got braces last April, with rubber bands right from the start. It was about August when the overjet was measured at 4mm, down from 10mm in the beginning.

[CountessDeSangre]

So it's going about 1.5 mm per month for you. Assuming my teeth are moving at the same speed as yours my ortho would have me wear my rubber bands for about 2 months! (I have a 6mm overjet and she wants to bring it to 3mm) Not that bad all things considered.

Still doesn't look like any progress is being made though and it's been almost a month. COME ON TEETH! MOVE FASTER! I CAN TAKE THE PAIN!!

How long did you have rubber bands on? What was your measurements when the bands were taken off?

[klobird]

Hey Countess---I have had rubber bands from the beginning until 6 weeks ago, when I was transferred to the Forsus! (Like steel fixed rubber bands). I asked if I would ever not have rubber bands (or the Forsus--6 months). He said "Ya, probably when you get your braces off" !!


I don't know what it's measured at now, but with the Forsus I can feel it coming in more. He told me in the beginning that I would end up with a slight underbite to compensate for when the teeth start to return to pre braces. And then it's on to a retainer forever....I think...

[mrsbraceface]

Hi, I know it can be frustrating! I wore rubber bands from the first day (1/10/12) 24 hrs a day. It felt so weird at first, like I couldn't open my mouth very much but pretty soon I got used to it. I am on a break from them right now because I just got 2 premolars extracted on Monday and I got back to my ortho next Monday to get the full wire put back on and maybe power chains to start closing these new spaces. I felt like my teeth were moving at first but then it stopped, I guess b/c I didn't have any room left. I would ask your ortho about it, it's possibe things are moving but it's too little for you to tell.
This orthodontics things is all about patience I guess?

Good luck to you!

[CountessDeSangre]

Hey Countess---I have had rubber bands from the beginning until 6 weeks ago, when I was transferred to the Forsus! (Like steel fixed rubber bands). I asked if I would ever not have rubber bands (or the Forsus--6 months). He said "Ya, probably when you get your braces off" !!


I don't know what it's measured at now, but with the Forsus I can feel it coming in more. He told me in the beginning that I would end up with a slight underbite to compensate for when the teeth start to return to pre braces. And then it's on to a retainer forever....I think...

Oh gosh when I first heard about the Forsus spring here on archwired, I had to google it and let me tell you I will NEVER complain about my wimpy little coil spring again! NEVER. That Forsus is scary...

Hi, I know it can be frustrating! I wore rubber bands from the first day (1/10/12) 24 hrs a day. It felt so weird at first, like I couldn't open my mouth very much but pretty soon I got used to it. I am on a break from them right now because I just got 2 premolars extracted on Monday and I got back to my ortho next Monday to get the full wire put back on and maybe power chains to start closing these new spaces. I felt like my teeth were moving at first but then it stopped, I guess b/c I didn't have any room left. I would ask your ortho about it, it's possibe things are moving but it's too little for you to tell.
This orthodontics things is all about patience I guess?

Good luck to you!

Ouch extractions! I think I'm finished with all my extractions which is great. It's wonderful to be able to eat a lot of the normal foods again. I'll see my ortho again on May 3rd so I'll definitely bring it up to her.

Thanks everyone!

[jamsmak04]

I had a bad overjet. My bottom teeth would hit the top of my mouth. It was no fun. My elastics worked in about 12 weeks and my overbite was fixed. Now I am just wearing one side to just move it a bit. The other side is perfect.

[CountessDeSangre]

I had a bad overjet. My bottom teeth would hit the top of my mouth. It was no fun. My elastics worked in about 12 weeks and my overbite was fixed. Now I am just wearing one side to just move it a bit. The other side is perfect.

Oh gosh that sounds like a nightmare! That's great that you fixed it though, it's what we're all here for, really.
Still, 3 months for you to fix that, not bad at all. Thanks for sharing!

[kamor]

I have had my braces on for 8 months. Yesterday was the first time that i have had elastics, and please someone tell me that it will get better! My lower jaw needs to move forward and my ortho has recommended the elastics for the next 2-4 months. It has been only 24 hours and i am so uncomfortable and sore. I am 48 years old and seriously questioning this entire process. Has anyone had great, positive results with the elastics? How do you yawn or even eat? Do you have to take the elastics out everytime you eat? And how do you deal with the feeling that the top teeth ( where the elastic hooks onto the bracket) are being pulled right out of your gums? I am in a medium elastic now and will progress to a stronger elastic in 2 months. I can not imagine how that will feel. Any support and advice would be appreciated, I am on the verge of a breakdown.

[CountessDeSangre]

I have had my braces on for 8 months. Yesterday was the first time that i have had elastics, and please someone tell me that it will get better! My lower jaw needs to move forward and my ortho has recommended the elastics for the next 2-4 months. It has been only 24 hours and i am so uncomfortable and sore. I am 48 years old and seriously questioning this entire process. Has anyone had great, positive results with the elastics? How do you yawn or even eat? Do you have to take the elastics out everytime you eat? And how do you deal with the feeling that the top teeth ( where the elastic hooks onto the bracket) are being pulled right out of your gums? I am in a medium elastic now and will progress to a stronger elastic in 2 months. I can not imagine how that will feel. Any support and advice would be appreciated, I am on the verge of a breakdown.

DO NOT BREAK DOWN DO NOT BREAK DOWN IT DOES GET EASIER!!
It is very uncomfortable in the beginning but just give it some time and you will adjust to it just like anything else on your braces journey. Within two weeks my friend has commented that I seem much more comfortable with my elastics than I did when I first got them and said it was HORRIBLE. You take them out to eat but have to put them back on when you are finished. Yawning.... is a bit more tricky. I'd recommend not yawning or, as I have done, perfect the art of yawning with your mouth not all the way open. Trust me, it can be done.

I'm on a medium elastic as well and it took me about 20 minutes to get them in after a meal because it would hurt so much. Now I can just hook them in, no problem. DO NOT BREAK DOWN. YOUR ARCHWIRED FAMILY IS HERE FOR YOU.

[LAinDC]

I just got the Forsus out 3 days ago and the orthodontist added 'heavy' rubber bands after. I'm wearing them 24x7. My mouth is way more sore, similar to when I just got the Forsus put on. I took Motrin for the first day with the rubber bands. I can barely chew without having overall teeth pain that I can barely tolerate. And the buttons that they added on top to hold the bands (since I have lingual braces) are tearing away at the inside of my mouth. I added putty that helps almost perfectly except since it is in front, but it can be seen when I talk but is totally worth it to get rid of the pain from the button (bracket like) rubbing under the inside of the area right above the inside of my mouth above my top lip. I'm sure it gets better with time. My overbite was corrected with the Forsus in exactly 6 months. Now I have the rubber bands to keep things in place. I've had braces for 13 months now. Soooo glad the Forsus is gone and hope that the rubber bands get better for us all! Good luck!