Metal Mouth Message Board

Received my quail elastic bandy things on my 2nd visit to the ortho.

1) Extremely difficult to put on because it is so small and awkward to fit it on.
2) They constantly snap, especially when I eat (been told to keep them on when I eat)

Is it just me or have others faces similar problems?

What configuration do they have you wearing? I have rabbit elastics, which are the same diameter as quail, but almost twice the strength. It was awkward at first, but now I'm able to get them in without trouble. It might just take some time for you to get used to putting them in.

Did they give you a little plastic hook? I've been in elephants for 5 months and I still cannot get them in without the plastic hook.

I had elastics the entire 2 years I was in braces, starting with Quail elastics. IMO, I really don't believe you need to keep them in when you eat--and you will end up swallowing a ton of them if you do leave them in while eating. I know I did! Take them out just before eating, brush immediately after eating, and put the elastics right back in. And that does mean when you eat out too. You can put together a braces necessities clutch or something like that, and use it in the restroom. Brushing in public is a drag, but it just is something you need to do to stay on track, especially with the elastics.

Good luck!

I'm jealous of those with elastics with all the cool names. Instead of animals, mine are simply labeled with "1/4 Heavy" and "3/16 Medium" Boring!

The ones I am wearing are called 'Bill'.

Wonder if there is one called Hillory?

I didn't even know people got hooks. I'm kind of jealous lol

I also don't wear them while I eat... Haven't had one snap on me yet

I don't wear my elastics while eating, I take them off before and brush teeth after eating and put them back on. My ortho did advise to leave them on while eating if possible but the elastics always snaps while I am chewing so I just take them off.

Have had two different elastic configurations since my first adjustment (9 months ago). The first was the classic triangles and this new one is top molor to bottom straight up and down on both sides. Both were really tough to get used to. The triangles were just plain uncomfortable because they tortured my lips and were pretty visible. This configuration is much easier to tolerate and I have to admit I do keep them on probably 22 hours a day. I just take them off to eat and brush. I also find that this configuration pops off much more easily so I can't eat with them on. And, once the right one pops off, I have to throw them away and get a new set. Once the right one is stretched at all, I can't get it to stay if I try to put it back on. And, I really hate to admit it but both configurations worked really really well - so it is worth it to stick it out and wear them as much as you can. I read in some research that they take 6-8 hours to even begin working so if you aren't wearing them at least 12 hours or more a day, you're doing absolutely nothing.

on days that I struggle (and every time removing them) I use tweezers..