Metal Mouth Message Board

My ortho gave only one bag of Elastics to last a month. Do you need to replace them each cleaning/meal or once a day? Is it advised to use more than one to improve the effectiveness?

My orthodontist told me to replace them every night, before I go to bed. So once a day, but I know many people do it after every meal or something. I do so now too! I only get one bag a time as well though, so I had to get back a few weeks ago to get a new one..

Darrinoc wrote: Is it advised to use more than one to improve the effectiveness?

Do you mean like wear 2 elastics instead of 1 at the same time?? If so: no, that won't help at all. From what I understand, it's really bad to do that and will even make it worse instead of better!

I'm in the same boat! Just got given one bag of elastics on my last adjustment, I thought they only needed to be changed once a day but a lot of people say they change them about 3+ times a day. It certainly doesn't look enough for that! I might have to go back and get some more, or maybe they can send them out to you by post?

I usually get 2 bags so I can keep one in my purse and one at home. For the most part, I change mine whenever I have to take them out of my mouth.. that usually means they've been in a few hours anyway. I think there are like 100 elastics in one of those little bags so you could change them more than twice a day. Some days I probably only change them 3 times, but on average I'd say I change them way more. I don't hesitate to ask the ortho for more and he's even told me that they can send them in the mail if need be.. so just give your office a call and see what they say! They're usually just proud to hear that you're wearing your elastics like a good patient! lol

Thanks everyone. I must have OCD. I just think it's gross to reuse those rubberbands after each meal/cleaning. After having braces for a year, I would do just about anything to help complete the time. Seems like a jail sentence and getting out early for good behavior, so I'm obsessed with always wearing these elastics.