Power Chain & Elastics...OUCH!

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#1 Post by **wiredrealtor** » Tue May 12, 2009 10:02 pm

Today I had an adjustment. I was expecting to get my 1st power chains on the top and bottom. I was expecting to be in pain a little bit more than the usual adj., BUT they decided to have me start wearing elastics to correct my bit too. SO, I wasn't expecting them to start me in wearing these elastics now and at the same time as getting my 1st powerchain. Needless to say, I'm in a WHOLE lot of pain and it's definetely worse than when I first got my braces put on!! It hurts to talk, eat, open my mouth, etc...

ANYONE ELSE experience having both of these done at the same time and any suggestions on how long I should expect to feel this sort of pain? Any suggestions for releiving the pain??

#2 Post by **MrMetalMouth1029** » Thu May 14, 2009 3:56 pm

I feel for you! I haven't heard anything about elastics, but I got my first power chain put on yesterday (upper brackets). I wasn't even expecting it...I just assumed I'd get bigger wires again. I was fine yesterday and last evening--I even ate a hot dog and french fries for dinner. I thought that I'd man up and not take any pain killers. I totally regret it today. The power chain hurts much more than the actual brackets and any wire adjustment I've ever had! You have my sympathy...we'll get through this!

#3 Post by **at long last** » Thu May 21, 2009 5:57 am

I can certainly feel your pain. I only expected to get elastics yesterday (I was expecting pain since this is the only part I remember being painful when I had braces at 14). But, the ortho also added a powerchain. I'm in a whole lot of pain, so I can't really give you any advice, but I can certainly sympathize right now. The elastics are cutting into the side of my mouth so if anyone has a solution to minimize that, I would appreciate it.

I think that trick is keeping taking Tylenol or Advil and just wait it out. I was told that the pain will go away, well, I'm hopeful. I do have a high pain tolerance so that's always helpful.

#4 Post by **TumbleDryLow** » Thu May 21, 2009 8:53 am

I had powerchains long before being introduced to elastics, but I do know that the combination of both is pretty brutal. Expect pretty bad pain for about 3 days, but know that each day that goes by gets better. By the end of a week you should be feeling much better. As for dealing with the pain, there's nothing to be done except wait it out and take Advil as needed---especially before you eat. If you can, take it about a half and hour before eating so its in your system and working before you try to chew anything. That trick has worked well for me.

#5 Post by **thunderkat** » Thu May 21, 2009 1:54 pm

I too had my first adjustment this morning (I have self- ligating ceramics/metal) and they surprised me with elastics. This is why I hate surprises!! I thought elastics were used as one of the last steps in treatment? I am in a lot of pain too, because I got a new thicker wire put in and the elastic is making my whole head and shoulder achy! They only put the elastic on my right side, as my midline is off. I hope this pain subsides soon.

It feels like day 1 all over again...not being able to chew and the constant throbbing all over my mouth. Sorry for venting, but no one else will listen!

#6 Post by **lfwood** » Thu May 21, 2009 7:38 pm

Last adjustment I had to wear elastics. This adjustment I don't have to wear the elastics anymore but have the power chain on my top teeth along with a new wire.

Glad I didn't have to do both at once

However the elastics made my jaw ache but the powerchain has made my front middle two teeth sensitive to cold drinks. Ouch.

You just can't win sometimes. I guess the whole experience is definately character building.

#7 Post by **SuperDave** » Fri May 22, 2009 6:36 am

well......

ive been in double triangle elastics for over a year, and powerchains. finnaly this month,....no rubber bands. whooooohooo ! actually...kinda feels weird to be quite honest.

anyhow....dont worry bout the rubber bands. not a big deal. best thing i can tell u is......either wear them like ur suposed to.....or dont. there is no in between.

the more u wear them the less it hurts. if ur not gonna wear them....then just dont. but if you think u can just do it some of the time, ur gonna make ur self REALLY hurt.

those are just my thoughts.

#8 Post by **Smiley23** » Tue Dec 05, 2017 7:05 pm

Im on the same boat im in so much pain!!!! Ill have to see what pill combo i can take to keep the pain at a minimum. Definately way worse than day one of braces but i hear elastics come towards the end! My ortho said i should hopefully be done in the next 6 months as long as i follow all rules! As painful as this is i have to remember it will all be worth it at the end. Ughhhh

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Power Chain & Elastics...OUCH!

Power Chain & Elastics...OUCH!

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