Elastics

[JSK]

Hi, I just got elastics on yesterday, and they are very, very painful. Is there anything that can help relive the pain? (besides painkillers, already took them).

[Denise]

I am not looking forward to elastics!! My ortho hasn't said a word to me about when I'll need them, but I know it's coming. I did some research online to see if anyone had any suggestions but everyone just said to tough it out, take pain meds (MotrinIB, Tylenol, etc), and wear them all day every day for the first few days, that will make the hurt end quicker than if you only wear them a few hours and keep taking them out. Sorry you're at this painful stage in your treatment, but remember nothing lasts forever - including our tooth pain!

[JSK]

Thanks, I also figured out by myself that calming down/relaxing and not getting aggravated/upset makes so much of the pain go away.

[Zoso]

Just stick with it - if you take the elastics out for a break, it will take longer to get used to them. Do try to do your best, as well, to chew normally - it may be difficult, but a dose of pain relievers before a meal can help. Of course, stay hydrated, so that the elastics are less likely to chafe you (you hardly want to add mouth sores to tender teeth, do you!)

Don't worry - just like with the braces themselves, this tenderness should pass in a few days.

[Sunny]

Elastics are a fantastic way to achieve movement and for some people they can take a few days to adjust to. As Zoso has written, the best way to adjust, is by continuing your wear and staying well hydrated.

Keeping yourself calm will definitely help and focusing on the advantages of having this treatment should also help.

Good luck with seeing some great progress very soon!