How do elastics work?

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#1 Post by **luchababe** » Tue Jun 14, 2011 12:40 pm

Just yesterday I got one elastic that goes from a back molar on the bottom to an incisor on the top. My jaw's been aching because I feel like I'm fighting the pull of the elastic. Should I find the sweet spot where my bottom jaw sits comfortably or do I let the elastic find it for me? I'm hoping the right thing just happens when I'm not paying attention since I wasn't told how I should be holding my jaw while I wear it.

#2 Post by **catgyrl** » Tue Jun 14, 2011 12:55 pm

Welcome to the wonderful/horrific world of elastics!!

I had the same configuration as you did when I first got mine in January, except I had TWO of them; one on each side. You should definitely NOT fight the pull, and let the elastics do the work. Sometimes (especially when sleeping) it may feel like your jaw is quivering, and your teeth may knock together, but that's just the elastics working on your bite. They will, miraculously, get your teeth into their appropriate position. Yeah... it feels very strange and achey, but you will get used to them fairly quickly. It may even feel strange without them!

Good luck!
-Cathy

#3 Post by **luchababe** » Wed Jun 15, 2011 11:10 am

Well, at least I'm happy to be at this stage of my braces! I guess I'll just trust the elastics and my jaw muscles know how to behave and not fight it.

#4 Post by **JulieFL** » Thu Jun 16, 2011 4:26 am

Agreeing with Cathy. I got my elastics on day 1 for my crossbite, and like you, I felt as though I should try and hold my jaw a certain way. Better to stay relaxed and let it go where the elastics want. Good luck!

#5 Post by **nifer237** » Thu Jun 16, 2011 3:05 pm

For me, there has been no part of this process more painful than my elastics. That includes a powerchain and extraction. The first few days were rough, and I feel like I have a high tolerance.

Hang in there, you'll see an improvement rather quickly.

#6 Post by **sea54change** » Fri Jun 17, 2011 4:09 am

I have elastics both sides for my overbite. Wearing them makes all my top front teeth so sore, that I can't bite into sandwiches or rolls of any kind!

#7 Post by **luchababe** » Fri Jun 17, 2011 4:58 am

Today is my 5th day with them and they're much better than they were on Monday. My teeth hurt the most in the morning when I wake up, like I've been clenching all night. I'm still not sure exactly where my jaw is supposed to go but going by what the ortho has said in the past I think I've got a handle on how things should be sitting.

#8 Post by **catgyrl** » Fri Jun 17, 2011 2:14 pm

luchababe-

I'm so happy to hear that you're adjusting well to your elastics. You'll probably find that your jaw will be a little sore in the mornings (like you've been clenching your teeth all night), but it will loosen up as the day goes on.

Thankfully, I just got rid of my triangle configurations today (well, at least for now...), and I'm back to Class II (upper canine to lower back molar). SOOOO much easier to handle.

-Cathy

#9 Post by **Crazy4Snow** » Fri Jun 17, 2011 8:51 pm

Oh Jesus, Mary & Joseph!!!! I hope and pray that I do NOT have to wear these! No one ever has anything nice to say about elastics....except that they do what they're intended to do.

#10 Post by **luchababe** » Sat Jun 18, 2011 7:10 am

It's not so bad so far. I actually don't really notice them in my mouth. Once in a while I'll get the inside of my check sort of stuck on the elastic but talking is fine.

I still wake up with some aching from the clenching. I guess that's why it seems most people wear elastics just at night. You're not awake to be aware of how you're jaw is sitting. You're relaxed so the elastic can do it's job without fighting you.

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