Elastics
Elastics move the teeth in a direction that cannot be accomplished with braces alone, we need your help!
Your teeth and jaws may be tender the first few days of wearing the elastics. This is normal and should begin to disappear within a week. If your soreness persists longer, please call our office. Rinsing with warm salt water will help take away the tenderness.
Attaching your elastics may seem hard initially. However, with a little time and patience, you will be able to accomplish your task easily.
Elastic wear must be constant to be effective – 24 hours a day – 7 days a week, unless otherwise indicated.
You my remove the elastics only when eating your meals or brushing your teeth. Leave them in during snacking (and kissing!). Be sure to replace the elastics with new ones immediately following mealtimes and brushing. Part time wear does NOT move teeth, but does cause them to be constantly sore. Change elastics routinely, even if they are not broken.
After a while elastics lose their strength. Change them at least twice a day: morning and before bedtime. If an elastic breaks, replace it. Carry extra elastics with you at all times.
If you don’t have enough elastics to last until your next appointment, please stop by our office and pick more up, or call us and we can send more to you. We don’t want you to run out.
Elastic wear is an important key to the speed of your treatment and the final results we can achieve. Please call us if you have any questions or concerns.