Okay, imagine this: your orthodontist casually mentions at your appointment that you gotta start wearing those tiny rubber bands all day, every day, even when eating. Um...how exactly would that work? Like, picturing myself trying to eat spaghetti or a burger with elastics in my mouth seems kinda impossible and messy. Anyone had to deal with this before or got some secret ninja tricks to handle it?
I get why you're worried, but honestly, my ortho had me remove elastics just for meals. Wearing them while eating seems unusual and maybe unnecessary...might be worth double-checking if that's really what they meant?
Hmm, I get your point, but actually, some orthos do recommend wearing elastics even during meals—depends on the specific treatment goals. I've seen cases where continuous pressure is key to shifting stubborn teeth or correcting bite issues. Sure, it's not the most comfortable thing ever (been there myself...), but it can speed things up. Still, doesn't hurt to double-check if you're unsure—every ortho has their own approach.
"Sure, it's not the most comfortable thing ever (been there myself...), but it can speed things up."
Totally relate to this. Honestly, when my ortho first told me to keep the elastics in 24/7, even during meals, I panicked a bit. Eating with those things felt super awkward and uncomfortable at first—I was convinced I'd snap them or swallow one accidentally (never happened, thankfully!). But after a week or two, I got used to it surprisingly fast. And you know what? It really did make a noticeable difference in my bite alignment.
Still, every case is different, and if you're feeling unsure or anxious about it (like I definitely was), there's nothing wrong with double-checking with your ortho. Better safe than sorry, right? Hang in there... braces life is tough sometimes, but the results are worth it.
Still, every case is different, and if you're feeling unsure or anxious about it (like I definitely was), there's nothing wrong with double-checking with your ortho. Better safe than sorry, right?
Yeah, I've been through something similar. My ortho initially told me the same thing—elastics 24/7, even meals—but honestly that didn't sit right with me. I ended up getting a second opinion from another orthodontist who explained that wearing them while eating isn't always necessary, depending on the specifics of your treatment. Might be worth asking around before committing fully to the 24/7 routine, just to make sure it's really needed in your case.
