Elastics on the inside

[ixtab]

Hi,

Been reading the forums for a long time (about 1+ year with iBraces) and the stories and suggestions here were really helpful. Wanted to ask a question about elastics. How many of you (who were/are wearing elastics with their iBraces) wear them on the inside brackets rather than using external attachments?
I have iBraces on both upper+bottom and don't like the idea of attaching anything to the outside (paid 3-4 times more in order to keep it relatively hidden...). I started to play with elastics (just for practice) and am able to put them on in less than 1 minute per side (so total is around 2 minutes to put both in) and it gets easier over time, and I am wondering if someone here has more experience with wearing elastics on the inside and can share some tips.

Thanks!
Ix.

[coconut]

I can only speak for having had elastics with upper linguals, as I had regular braces on the bottom.

I had mostly vertical elastics configurations. These ranged from being anchored to my linguals (I had metal figure "8" loops fashioned as anchors), to hooks on the regular braces, to metal and ceramic "buttons" that were placed on my teeth where there were no braces.

I found applying elastics to the inside of my upper arch enormously challenging at first. Mostly I was doing things by feel; I also broke a number of the figure 8 anchors in the process. I used a little plastic tool to help; in time, it became easier and by the time I was finishing up, I reckon I'd got it down to a few seconds.

Yes, we pay a fortune for anonymity, but if you're going to need elastics, unless they're far back in your mouth, they are likely to be visible to others. Mine certainly were.

[ixtab]

Thanks for sharing your experience!

[ixtab]

Just a quick update, I was actually able to hook the elastics to the linguals on both upper and lower and the process takes me 10-15 seconds per side, so it is not bad at all and definitely possible. The ease of application ensures I wear my elastics close to 24 hours per day (excluding lunch and dinner) which is great.

So FYI to all lingual wearers out there. It is quite possible (and somewhat easy) to wear elastics on the inside of the mouth (hooked to the lingual brackets) on both the upper and lower jaws. At least in my case there was no need for external attachments. It takes some practice but well worth it since it is practically invisible (no one knows I wear elastics at all), I verified at work and with friends it is as invisible as the linguals, which was the whole idea to begin with.

Good luck!

[jewelsann04]

hello!
i have upper and lower i braces and i have been in elastics for about 2 months. I wear them on the inside, they just kind of hook on to the brackets, no extra attachments were placed in. It was a little tricky at first to put on the elastics, but within a week i was comfortable with it and now i have a feel for where they go. Not really bothersome. Hope that helps!!

[ibracescee]

i have ibraces top and bottom and just got rubber bands on today. The rubber bands are hooked inside the upper canines and lower molars on the outside. can't see the rubber bands at all.

[JoJo13]

Hi ibracescee,

I am also getting top & bottoms....probably not until April sometime though...just went for consult today. Are the rubber bands cuttting up your mouth? I have heard that happens. Also, overall, how has your experience been? Would love some positive feedback as I am very nervous! Thanks so much!

JoJo

[Sunny]

JoJo it's important to keep your body well hydrated and therefore your mouth will be moist. If your mouth is dry the elastics can cause major rubbing and discomfort.