Elastics are used to help move the teeth into position and align the bite. If recommended, they are an integral part of your orthodontic treatment. Success depends on following instructions and knowing what you can expect.
WEARING INSTRUCTIONS:
- 24 hours a day
- Take elastics off only long enough to eat (optional) and brush your teeth.
- Apply new elastics 2 to 3 times daily.
- Always carry additional elastics in case one breaks or is lost.
WHAT TO EXPECT:
- Some soreness in the first few days is common.
- Tylenol or Aleve will help with any soreness, as well as warm salt-water rinses.
- Soreness will disappear if elastics are worn properly.
- Failure to wear 22-24 hours a day will result in constantly sore teeth
- Rapid progress will occur if the elastics are worn properly. Slow or NO progress will occur if the elastics are worn under 20 hours per day!
NO KIDDING!!
- Elastics are not very forgiving. Forgetting to wear them means a relapse in any progress made.
A FINAL WORD:
Even the best-intentioned patients forget from time to time to replace their elastics following meals or brushing, losing valuable time. BE EXTRA CAUTIOUS TO AVOID THIS SITUATION! We know you would like to wear your elastics well so you don’t have to wear them as LONG!!