Metal Mouth Message Board

Today for the first time my Orthodontist placed elastic from my premolars to my canines both sides. I am in pain especially in my right hand side. Eating is difficult . I thought that elastics comes when all gaps are closed. I still have big gaps between canines and 4 front teeth on both sides. Is it normal to use braces at this stage?

I've had elastics since day 1. Elastics use varies on the treatment and what needs to be done. Elastics are a pain but wear them as prescribed and you may shave time off your treatment! Take them out till when you eat.

Good luck!

I got elastics at my first 6 week appointment and have worn them in some configuration or another for my entire treatment. Wear them as directed and in a couple of days they shouldn't hurt as much. I was advised to remove them for eating, you could probably do the same as long as you put them back in as soon as you are done and have brushed. I don't even think I could eat with them in, I've got triangles right now and they're sort of in the way up front. It's even difficult to drink from a glass. My water cup in my fridge has a straw.

Mpkh wrote:I've had elastics since day 1. Elastics use varies on the treatment and what needs to be done. Elastics are a pain but wear them as prescribed and you may shave time off your treatment! Take them out till when you eat.

Good luck!

Thanks for the encouragement

Beckett wrote:I got elastics at my first 6 week appointment and have worn them in some configuration or another for my entire treatment. Wear them as directed and in a couple of days they shouldn't hurt as much. I was advised to remove them for eating, you could probably do the same as long as you put them back in as soon as you are done and have brushed. I don't even think I could eat with them in, I've got triangles right now and they're sort of in the way up front. It's even difficult to drink from a glass. My water cup in my fridge has a straw.

Thank you for your response. it's comforting that in a few days it won't hurt as much and would be able to eat

I foolishly thought I could get away without elastics, since they were not applied when I was braced. At the next appointment I was brought back to reality, and wore them for the entire three years of treatment. I am not a fan, but as others have pointed out they are a necessary evil. Best of luck to you and hang in there!

hi,
i got my elastics at the 3. adjustmet of my braces :-)
i have to wear them from my upper canines to my lower molars for 24 hours.

I kind of want elastics, at least short term. I figure if I'm going to have braces I might as well have the whole experience!!!

sacktheqb65 wrote:I kind of want elastics, at least short term. I figure if I'm going to have braces I might as well have the whole experience!!!

I feel the exact same way. lol I guess we shall see what happens. lol

Well I got my wish... had my consult today and went ahead and got wired up and now i need elastics for the whole time in braces starting today. 16-20 months. Be careful what you wish for, right?!?!?!