Rubber bands and chains. Ahhhhhhhh! Any tips?

[Ziggy]

Today I went in and they put a chain across my front teeth, to start closing the gaps, and I now have to use rubber bands. So far no big deal, but I'm having a hell of a time putting those rubber bands on properly. They said it takes awhile, but does anybody have some tips to help?

Thanks.

[jaime]

Did they give you any of those little elastic tools? I have a hard time applying my elastic without it.

https://www.amazon.com/Elastic-Placers- ... B00SNVBUXO These are what I'm talking about. Maybe call up your ortho and ask if they have them?

[djspeece]

I found that if I pull the elastic back farther than I thought was necessary I was able to hook them more consistently. Best of luck to you. Orthodontics: the profession that sounds like some sort of B&D offshoot.

[ljms]

For the first two days or so, don't be a hero and use a mirror. Take some time to develop some muscle memory. After a few days of that, stand in front of a mirror while you're putting them in but close your eyes or turn away. If you can't get them in a couple of tries, use the mirror. Keep at it, and before the end of the week, I'm sure that you'll be able to put elastics in without looking.

You didn't mention what type of elastics you have but some elastic configurations are easier than others. It took me six days to get proficient with a class II configuration. I expect that box elastics would take longer.

[testimony777]

I second Ijms, use a mirror. I am now able to put them in without it but it took me a while to get here.

[Ziggy]

Did they give you any of those little elastic tools? I have a hard time applying my elastic without it.

https://www.amazon.com/Elastic-Placers- ... B00SNVBUXO These are what I'm talking about. Maybe call up your ortho and ask if they have them?

No, I was using tweezers and one of the brackets popped off. Not a lot of room between my gum and the hook. That tool looks like a winner. I'll have to get one.

[Ziggy]

For the first two days or so, don't be a hero and use a mirror. Take some time to develop some muscle memory. After a few days of that, stand in front of a mirror while you're putting them in but close your eyes or turn away. If you can't get them in a couple of tries, use the mirror. Keep at it, and before the end of the week, I'm sure that you'll be able to put elastics in without looking.

You didn't mention what type of elastics you have but some elastic configurations are easier than others. It took me six days to get proficient with a class II configuration. I expect that box elastics would take longer.

Just little tiny rubber bands. They go over two brackets on top molars and one bracket on the bottom -- a triangle. Even with tweezers I have a lot of trouble hooking the band on the bottom. Never made it before the bracket popped off.

[Ziggy]

I second Ijms, use a mirror. I am now able to put them in without it but it took me a while to get here.

Yes, Definitely. I think I swallowed at least three of em before giving up and popping a bracket.

[Beckett]

I've had elastics since my first adjustment at 7 weeks and I still have to use a mirror. The canine on the right was tilted and rotates back far enough that if I didn't get the elastic seated well in the hook it would pop off after I got it attached to the lower molar. Still does half the time, partly because induce heavy elastics now when ninjas started with medium. That tool is the best. I hook the elastic on the upper canine, then use the tiny end of the tool to stretch and slip it over the molar hook. Never could go in reverse.

[Ziggy]

Just an update to those following this thread. I figured out an order that makes things a little easier for me and I can now get the bands on in a few minutes. Using a very thin, small long nose pliers I'm able to get the band over the hook that sits straight up, then pull it to the back molar and slip it over the hook that is angled back. Using my fingers I can then pull the band down and slip it over the hook on the bottom. Of course I have to do this with my nose pressed up against a magnifying mirror. I am waiting for the plastic tool everybody talks about and hoping that will help, but at least I'm not sitting in front of a mirror sighing every 15 minutes.

[Beckett]

I've seen the tools on Amazon but my Ortho gives them out. I have one upstairs in my bathroom, one downstairs in the powder room, and one stashed in my purse.

I have no idea where the ninjas came from in my last post. I swear I proofread before submitting.

[EWUgal15]

I have no idea where the ninjas came from in my last post. I swear I proofread before submitting.

My post is totally off topic, but I have to ask: do you have one of those browser plug ins that replaces words? One of my coworkers has one...makes the news way more interesting. But, I think elastics should totally come in a size "ninja". Much more interesting than asking for a package of Bills...

[Beckett]

I think it was just a funky autocorrect, I'm on an iPad.

[duelmaster42]

Just keep the rubber bands on as long as you can. Then the pain will subside in a few days.
idk how but if you keep taking them off for extended periods of times, then the pain stays.

[Ziggy]

Thanks for the post. Yes, I eventually got used to them and this week my ortho took the bands off. Still have the power chains, however, and putting those on is still a pain.