Elastics... Uggghh!

[xGa12yx]

So I had my 2nd adjustment yesterday and my Orthodontist said my teeth are moving way faster than she expected. They gave me a thicker Stainless steel wire on top in which they say is a lil more stiff than the first ones they gave me and then on the bottom they kept the same wires in. But, yesterday My orthodontist decided to bless me with Elastics in which I have to wear in a triangle shape pointing up onto my Incisor on both sides. I honestly haven't felt discouraged about my braces up until today. My teeth are sore (especially my incisors where they are hooked to) and I have a Pounding headache. I seriously don't know if the headache is suppose to come with it. But, I do hope it goes away! I wish I can take pain meds but Im allergic to practically every pain killer in the book. Anybody have any tips on how to alleviate the elastic wearing pain?

[Marigold]

I got elastics at the 4-month mark - 1 up, 2 down on the incisors. Plus rectangular wires at the same time. That was my most painful ortho visit so far and the first time I ever had to take aspirin. Also, the hooks kept snagging the insides of my mouth and causing them to bleed. I've had them 3 months now and my incisor area is still tender, plus I now have gaps in my teeth. The good part is they are really working to bring my front teeth forward and I love how my face looks now. I would suggest keep taking aspirin or Tylenol. For me, the pain was only really bad that first week, and now it's only a slight tenderness. I know the elastics are a pain, but hang in there, it'll be worth it.

[xGa12yx]

Awww... thanks Marigold. I guess the reason why I'm really a bit discouraged is that I've only had my braces for about 6 weeks and I just got barely used to having them in my mouth and then in comes the elastic so early. My ortho said that it's usually presented around the 4th month but she's so surprised on my progress. But, I'm hanging in there. I always keep reminding myself how awesome my teeth are gonna be after and plus all the money I put into it. I already paid my whole braces treatment in full. As far as pain killers.. I wish I could. I'm allergic to Tylenol and Advil or any other pain killer that share the same active ingredients. Believe it or not I even went through extraction without any pain meds. But yeah, I'll be fine. Thanks for the reply.

[Marigold]

Oh wow, I didn't realize you were allergic to aspirin and Tylenol as well. Well that sucks. Maybe your ortho or doctor could recommend another drug. Just think, if you're moving along that quickly it'll be that much sooner that your braces can come off! Hopefully the pain and headaches will subside soon. If not, definitely talk to your ortho about it.

[bashiera]

If you're allergic to aspirin and tylenol, try naproxen sodium (aleve). I'd ask your doctor or dentist though to be safe about what you can take however.

[klobird]

Ya, elastics are really annoying--I have had them on since day one, and they have changed them to even heavier ones than when I was first braced.

Did you mention that you can't take Ibuprofen or Naproxen? Those are great for pain....

With my elastics, I have only had the rubbing against the cheeks/inner lips problems. I use a lot of wax still, and it helps.
Also for those sore areas caused by the elastics, I use Rincinol---when it's particularly uncomfortable.

The only good thing about elastics---they really do work!!

[luchababe]

I hear ya! I've had an elastic on my left side for about 10 weeks now and 2 days ago I was told to wear another one on the right side only going in the opposite direction to the first one. My teeth ache, I don't know where to put my jaw and, I'd never thought I'd say this, but after brushing my teeth I walk around for few minutes just enjoying the sensation of JUST BRACES!

[xGa12yx]

Yeah, Thanks for the replies everybody. Today is my 3rd day in Elastics now and the pain is starting to fade. I called my orthodontist office and they said that the soreness and headache are relatively normal and if I stop my elastic treatment now then I would have to start the soreness from the beginning again. She said its better to knock out the pain now then having to keep going through hell because I'll never get use to it. But as far as pain killers, I'm allergic to Aceteminophen and Ibuprofen... so yeah... advil, aleve, tyleonl, motrin, and all the good stuff im allergic to. But yeah, Im in the clear now... the pain is fading. Thanks everybody.