Elastics
Your teeth will be sore for a few days after starting to wear elastics. You may take Advil® or Tylenol® for this discomfort. You should avoid taking elastics out for a “break” when your teeth get sore, because when you replace them when your teeth feel “better”, all you are doing is rocking the teeth back and forth, making them very sore and not moving them in the right direction.
Care and Use Instructions
Elastics need to be worn 24 hours a day. Elastics should only be out of your mouth during brushing. Wear your elastics during meals because that is when you get the most pull from them. Put new ones on after eating.
Change the elastics at least 3 times a day. If they break while eating or speaking, replace them immediately.
Never be without elastics. If you run out or lose them before your next office visit, call or stop in the office to pick some up. All you need to know is the size. Each is named a different name (Bill, Chuck, Eliot, Roger) on the packet. We will mail you some if you cannot come into the office.
If there is any reason why you cannot wear your elastics, call the office immediately. Please do not wait until your next appointment. Waiting will only delay that happy day when your braces are removed. Remember, elastics are the key to finishing your treatment on the shortest possible time!
