How long will I be in elastics?

[shekhinak]

I was told that I would be in braces for 18 months, and as of today it has been 18 months. My 16 year old daughter said two months ago, "If they haven't given you elastics yet, there's no way you'll be done when they said."

I realize that every patient is different, but roughly - how long has everyone else been wearing the elastics?

[klobird]

I've been in elastics since day one. I'm getting my braces off next month. So, I've been in elastics almost 2 years...

[Tobilei]

I think it depends on what needs doing. My daughter is 10 months in and has had 2 periods of elastics at 6 weeks each to help fix an overjet.

I'm 3 months in and due to get some next adjustment. I haven't been told how long I will need them for though.

[bmueller]

I think it all depends on how well you wear them and how well your teeth move with them. Because of this I dont think you'll ever get a definite answer from you OD.

[Sita]

Not everyone gets them. You might be one of the lucky ones. You'll just have to ask your ortho.

[cbreeze]

[quote="klobird"]I've been in elastics since day one. I'm getting my braces off next month. So, I've been in elastics almost 2 years...[/quote]

Did they change the placement of your rubber bands at any point? Like did the rubber bands move back eventually where they were less noticeable? Or have they always gone from your top canines to your back molars (or something like that)? They told me I'd have rubber bands "the majority" of my treatment (estimated at 18 months). I'm only 5 weeks in, and they are driving me nuts!

[isthistaken]

I have that on one side, I don't have to wear it non stop, but I actually prefer to have the elastic on. For some strange reason it feels MORE comfortable with the elastic.

[curranc]

12 months

[fleur26]

I've worn elastics for 18 months so far but you might be lucky and not need them at all! Only your ortho will know. But if you need them don't worry they're okay really! Plus you might not need them for long! X

[shekhinak]

Everyone, I REALLY appreciate the responses

I have my next appointment on Thursday, so I guess I have a few questions for them. Like, they put in "blue bites" just before Thanksgiving, and told me I would only need those for two months... and I still have them. I hated them at first, but now I'm rather used to them.

I guess another thing I'm gathering is that orthodontists all seem to have their preferred way of doing things. Some people start the elastics immediately, others use it in the end game.

My daughter, who rarely tells me anything about her experiences, finally disclosed that she had elastics for the last two years. She was only supposed to be in braces for 18 months (like me), but she had them on for three years. Then she ended up with TMJ pain one year afterwards, and now they want her in braces for another year. OK... now that I wrote all of that down, I think I'm starting to see why she's not really willing to talk about braces.

[klobird]

My elastics are somewhat uncomfortable every time they are repositioned. The ortho has added hooks for different elastic positions and removed some hooks when they weren't needed anymore. Sometimes it takes a couple of weeks and a lot less chatting for the inside of my lips and cheeks to toughen up from the new position, but it's usually been ok after that...

I know exactly what is meant by sometimes feeling more comfortable when they are there after all this time. It's hard to explain. It's almost like a comfort, secure like feeling. Weird..... I don't think I will have a problem dumping them on debanding day though!! (42 more days and counting )

[shekhinak]

Well I had my appointment today! They removed my blue bites, (either that or they shorted out some electrical wires in my mouth, because it smelled like burning insulation when they were doing it). Then they gave me elastics, and now I look like an adult walrus.

They said they'll see how thing are going in four weeks, and then they'll start planning the finishing stages for the braces.

I'm excited, the end may be in sight! It'll be so nice to be able to floss in less than 15 minutes again!