I know I have to wear them, and I do, often, but lately whenever i place the elastics in my braces, the next time I open my mouth, they snap off. I have to keep replacing them and its really irritating. It got so annoying, that i just got to the point where i stopped wearing them for a few days. Why is this? And I am pretty sure that I am putting them in the right way. I even asked my orthodontist and he said i was doing it right. What gives??
2007-10-02 14:52:40 · 5 answers · asked by Michelle 4 in Health ➔ Dental
I would caution against doubling or tripling up on rubber bands. It's the length of time on your teeth that is important. A super heavy force will not speed up the treatment, but will be more painful.
As far as the elastics coming off - sometimes the hooks on the braces where you attach them can be too small or in a direction that allows them to slip off easily. You could ask your orthodontist if placing "K-hooks" would help. K-hooks are small wire attachments that are placed onto the braces and give more room for your elastics to attach to.
I would definitely bring this up to your orthodontist at the next appointment, though. If your trying but are unable to wear them all the time, this can affect the correction and your treatment time.
Good luck.
2007-10-02 16:06:32 · answer #1 · answered by Dr. Ortho 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Elastics can be annoying but the only way you'll get your braces off is if your teeth/jaw are in proper alignment. A trick I use is a week before my next appointment I triple up my rubberbands to add extra pull. It can get a little sore, but it feels good to know that the elastics are actually working this way. As for the elastics popping off, try not to open your mouth as wide. I learned to do this the first time they snapped me (ouch!). Best of luck!
2007-10-02 15:13:14 · answer #2 · answered by ♥ meme ♥ 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Elastics come in a few different sizes, maybe you need a bigger size. Be sure to tell your Orthodontist about your problems so (s)he doesn't think you're just being a slacker and not wearing them. They like to know atleast your trying even though your having problems.
2007-10-02 16:04:57 · answer #3 · answered by Fancy_Chanel 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My daughter had this annoyance when she wore braces. The bands would snap on her when she opened her mouth. Since she had to wear them, what she would do was try not to open her mouth too wide or too much. All I can say is hang in there. This misery will soon be over.
2007-10-02 15:01:00 · answer #4 · answered by RoVale 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
maybe you should get a different pack from your orthodontist. i have elastics(rubber bands as i call them) and that happened to me once. the next time i went to the orthodontist i just told them i needed a new pack and they gave me one. it turns out that they were old and the older ones snap easier.
2007-10-02 15:02:55 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋