Metal Mouth Message Board

Okay, so I haven't felt any pain or seen any movement from my elastics yet and I feel like I need to although it's only been 2 weeks. Do you think it would be okay if I doubled them up? Or will that mess up my treatment?

No, it's not a good idea to take your treatment into your own hands. Do only what your ortho tells you to do. You may prolong your treatment otherwise.

It can actually be really hard on the roots of your teeth. It -can-, though unlikely, kill the tooth you are pulling so hard on.

I really would not do it.

Just to add to what the other posters have said:
There's also different strength elastics, so maybe this is a transition to a stronger one.
Trust me - appreciate the fact that you aren't feeling those ones. My 1st ones (a long time ago) kept snapping and so then I got real thick ones. They don't bother me now but at the time they were so painful!
Be patient and i'm sure things will start to happen for you.

It's funny how every treatment is different. Ive been in elastics since August and Im allowed to wear up to 4 at a time. I use 3/16" medium 4.7mm elastics.
I definately not saying do as I do. Talk to you Ortho before you do anything on your own, Please....

Good luck and best wishes,
Leah

I agree with the others, let your ortho decide what to do. My elastic worked within a few days but maybe I only needed a little adjustment and my archwire is working along with it. Even though I see and feel the change, I may still need to wear it for a long time to come. Be patient and things will move eventually.

I couldn't imagine doubling up the elastics in my mouth. I have had such head aches since having them added a week ago. The one sense of peace is that I will be brace-less in seven days! Advil has been easing the pain.

your ortho will eventually increase the strength of your elastic. I also started mine with very thin kind, I hardly felt anything but after two more adjustments!!! ouch, now I really feel it. The elastic I'm wearing now is much smaller and thicker and there's alot of pressure on my teeth and my gums are soar so just wait.

Ok, I won't double them. Thanks for everyones replies.