Hi all, kinda new but not really.

[SweetPea]

Hi guys, I've been a site lurker for a while now and have been enjoying learning from the experiences of others here. I am currently on tray 7/15T18B and with this tray started using elastics. I haven't seen much posting about the use of elastics so I thought I'd put my 2 cents in so that maybe others can gain some know from me I was kinda worried about getting them but after having them in for a day now I have to say NO BIG DEAL! Having the elastics in makes them slightly more annoying to take out and put back in. I haven't noticed any more pain than usual which is nice. I'm attempting to post a pic to show what my elastic looks like. I only have it on the left side for now and likely will be getting them on the right side in about 6 weeks. An interesting note, the dental assistant told me she was quite sure I was the first invisalign case to use elastics in their office. I really wasn't too alarmed as I have complete confidence in my orthodontist. I actually am quite happy to be his practice case as these orthos have to gain experience somewhere right? I was told by him and his office staff that if I should be unhappy with my treatment at any time they would gladly brace me traditionally at no additional cost. So that helps ease my worries.

[Weeeyin]

Hiya and welcome. Sorry to ask a stupid question but how or where do the elastics attach to? I imagine if its the trays surely it'll pull them off your teeth so is there holes in the trays to thread them through and if so is that difficult. I remember my pals at school wearing coloured elastics as a teenager but as an adult i'm the only one of my friends/workmates/family in braces so have no one to compare treatment to. I've not needed elastics its more a general noseyness question - thanks :-)

[MCOMarkhamOrthodontist]

Slits can be cut into the aligners for the elastics to latch onto. If this is the case, more attachments are generally required to aid in retention of the aligner on that jaw.

They can also be worn by attaching a button to the tooth and cutting away that section of aligner.

[SweetPea]

Here is a couple of photos of how the trays are cut for my elastic band. Its pretty simple to put the band on as the ortho gave me a tool to use. The band hooks on to the cut portion of attachment on the lower tray and then is basically slung over a corner of the slitted portion of the upper tray. I do have more attachments on this side as Dr M said. 3 top and 4 bottom just on this one side, I have a total of 12 in my mouth.

[SweetPea]

Sorry I meant "as Dr. T said"..

[Sunny]

Great to read you're finding the elastic is working well. The use of elastics has improved the quality of the finished product that invisalign offers. Good luck with your progress!

[Stephanie]

Interesting photos... looks like you have a good doctor and glad the elastics are working.... don't forget to start your blog so you can track your progress

Braces Forums - Blogs

[SweetPea]

Thanks all, I actually hit a bump in the road about 4 days in.. The upper aligner began to tear right at the site where the elastic hooked on. I think this is partly because the technician that cut the tray was a bit heavy handed when cutting and got a little too close to the button area. I have temporarily stopped using the elastics (frustrating loss of 4 good days of wear!!) as the aligner was not doing a good job pulling back and we were afraid the elastic would only continue the tear to the point of making the aligner unwearable. So I am to start with the elastics again on tray 8 in about a week or so. I think I will mention to the tech that its not necessary to remove THAT much of the aligner next time!!