Totally get what you mean about the mental load with elastics. I’m just starting out and already feel like I need a system to keep track of them—maybe a spreadsheet, ha. Springs sound rough at first, but I like the idea of not having to think about them all day. I guess it’s a trade-off between a short burst of pain and constant little annoyances. Your tip about stashing elastics everywhere is smart, though... I might have to borrow that one.
I’m just starting out and already feel like I need a system to keep track of them—maybe a spreadsheet, ha.
That’s actually not a bad idea. My kid’s been on elastics for a few months and I swear, half my brain is just trying to remember if we changed them after dinner or not. Do you find your orthodontist was clear about how often to switch them? We got told “after every meal,” but sometimes it feels like overkill, and then I start worrying we’re not doing enough.
About springs—I keep hearing people say they’re less to think about, but does anyone know if they hurt more at the start? My daughter’s pretty anxious about pain, so I’m torn between sticking with the elastics (even though it’s a hassle) or asking if springs might be better for her sanity. Have any of you switched from elastics to springs mid-treatment? If so, did it mess up the timeline at all?
And yeah, we’ve got elastics in every bag and coat pocket at this point... still manage to run out when we’re out and about, though.
