Elastics

If you’ve reached the stage of your treatment where elastics need to be implemented, you should expect some additional pressure in order to move one or more teeth. You can take pain relievers like Advil or Tylenol as directed to ease the discomfort, but it shouldn’t last any longer than 3 or so days.

It’s really important that you follow these instructions in order to obtain your desired results:

• Your elastics should be worn 24 hours a day. You can only take them out when you eat and when you brush your teeth. Remember, if you wear your elastics as prescribed, your treatment will be completed sooner. Even if you skip only a few hours a day, it can unnecessarily prolong your treatment.
• Always carry your bag of elastics with you, so that if the ones in your mouth are lost or broken, you can replace them quickly. If you lose your bag of elastics, don’t wait until your next appointment to ask for another one. If you can’t stop in for a replacement, just call and we’ll mail you another bag.
• Because the elastics will lose their tension, they should be changed twice a day (every 12 hours); in the morning after your breakfast and in the evening after supper. Don’t forget: SLEEP WITH YOUR ELASTICS ON!
• If anything that holds your elastics in place brakes or comes off (bands, brackets, hooks, etc.), tell us right away so that we can see you as soon as possible and fix it.