Sorry if this has been answered, I did a search and didn't find anything.
As I'd mentioned in my 'hello' post, I switched from Invisalign to Sapphire braces yesterday to close my bite and derotate this one tooth that didn't quite participate in the Invisalign process
Anyway, I have to wear 2 elastics, one on each side. One is in a triangular formation,and one is just from one tooth to the other. I am having SUCH a hard time getting those little buggers on! I have that little plastic appliance, but it can't seem to get close enough to the pass the elastics over the hooks. Is it a bad idea to bend the hooks out to place the elastics, then bend them back? They are basically almost totally flush with my gums, so I'm not sure how else to do it.
I'm sure it's just like Invisalign, in no time I was popping the trays in and out like nothing, but right now I would really appreciate any tips to get me doing this for these little pests!
Help with changing elastics
Moderator: bbsadmin
-
- Posts: 61
- Joined: Mon Oct 30, 2006 12:07 am
The first time I was instructed to use elastics, I thought I would NEVER be able to do it! The office staff wouldn't let me out the door until I'd cracked it so amidst much swearing I went at it until I finally hooked those little blighters into place. What an ordeal that was.
I found the plastic tool invaluable and used it for months. Having been in elastics for 14 months now, I've pretty much got the hang of it and find I don't need the tool anymore.
As to bending the hooks, I'd go carefully here. I had some metal hooks fashioned by my ortho which were attached to the back of my canines (I have lingual uppers) and which were one point of contact for triangle elastics. Due to the problems of not being able to see what was going on back there, I unwittingly bent these hooks twice and the load from the elastics eventually broke them.
My advice is to keep at it with the tool. Like everything, it will come with practice.
I found the plastic tool invaluable and used it for months. Having been in elastics for 14 months now, I've pretty much got the hang of it and find I don't need the tool anymore.
As to bending the hooks, I'd go carefully here. I had some metal hooks fashioned by my ortho which were attached to the back of my canines (I have lingual uppers) and which were one point of contact for triangle elastics. Due to the problems of not being able to see what was going on back there, I unwittingly bent these hooks twice and the load from the elastics eventually broke them.
My advice is to keep at it with the tool. Like everything, it will come with practice.