Getting used to wearing rubber bands (elastics) with braces can be uncomfortable at first, but it's a crucial part of your orthodontic treatment. By following specific strategies recommended by your orthodontist and managing discomfort effectively, you can adapt more easily.
While initial soreness is common, it typically fades as your mouth adjusts to the pressure. Adopting the right habits from the start is key to a smoother experience.
Tips for Adapting to Braces Elastics
Here are proven methods to help you get used to wearing your orthodontic rubber bands, incorporating essential practices for effective treatment and discomfort management:
- Wear Elastics Regularly: Consistency is paramount. The more consistently you wear your elastics as prescribed by your orthodontist, the faster your teeth will move and your mouth will adapt to the sensation. Wearing them irregularly can prolong discomfort as your teeth and tissues never fully adjust. Aim to wear them for the recommended number of hours each day.
- Change Them Regularly: Orthodontic elastics lose their elasticity and effectiveness over time. Changing them at least once or twice a day, or as advised by your orthodontist, ensures they apply the correct, consistent force needed for tooth movement. Using old bands can hinder progress and might contribute to discomfort due to inconsistent tension.
- Only Use the Elastics for Braces That Your Orthodontist Recommends: It is vital to only use the specific size, type, and force of elastics provided or recommended by your orthodontist. They have chosen these elastics precisely for your treatment plan. Using different elastics can apply incorrect forces, potentially harming your roots or slowing down treatment.
- Avoid Using Additional Bands: Never double up on elastics or add extra bands beyond what your orthodontist instructed, even if you feel your teeth aren't moving fast enough. Applying excessive force can be detrimental and cause significant pain or damage. Stick strictly to the prescribed configuration.
Managing Discomfort and Soreness
Initial tenderness is a normal part of the adjustment process. Here are ways to alleviate this discomfort:
- Take Pain Killers: Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, can help manage initial soreness and inflammation. Take them as directed on the packaging or as advised by your healthcare provider or orthodontist.
- Use Topical Anesthetic: Applying a small amount of topical anesthetic gel designed for oral use (like those for teething or canker sores) directly to sore spots on your gums or cheeks where the elastics or brackets might rub can provide temporary relief.
- Use Orthodontic Wax: If the hooks or brackets used to attach the elastics are irritating the inside of your cheeks or lips, apply a small piece of orthodontic wax over the offending part. This creates a smooth barrier and helps prevent sores.
- Use a Warm Salt Water Rinse: Rinsing your mouth gently with warm salt water can soothe sore gums and tissues. Mix about half a teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water and swish it around your mouth for 30 seconds before spitting it out. This can be done several times a day.
By diligently following these practices, focusing on consistent wear, using the correct elastics, and managing discomfort as needed, you will find that getting used to rubber bands on your braces becomes much easier and less painful over time.
