SHIFTING YOUR SMILE CENTER: WHO'S USING ELASTICS VS. SPRINGS?

We’re in the middle of this debate at home. My daughter’s ortho wants to switch her from elastics to springs for the next phase, but I’m worried about those springs popping out - she’s pretty active and rough on her braces. Elastics are a pain to remember, but at least if one goes missing it’s not a big deal. Did anyone have issues with springs getting lost or causing mouth sores? And do they really move teeth as fast as elastics if you can actually get your kid to wear the bands?

Springs are like the over-caffeinated cousins of elastics - way more persistent, but yeah, they can be a little feisty if your kid’s a wild one. I’ve seen springs pop out during soccer practice, but honestly, it’s not super common. Elastics only work if you actually wear them (and let’s be real, most teens “forget” half the time). Springs don’t need reminders… they just do their thing 24/7. Mouth sores can happen at first, but usually settle down. If she’s rough on her braces, just keep an eye out for bent wires or runaway springs in the laundry.

Springs are like the over-caffeinated cousins of elastics - way more persistent, but yeah, they can be a little feisty if your kid’s a wild one.

That’s a really interesting point about springs being “over-caffeinated cousins of elastics.” I hadn’t thought about the compliance factor before, but it makes sense - elastics only work if you remember to wear them, and that’s honestly tough for a lot of teens. Springs being “on” all the time seems like a big advantage. The mouth sores part is a little worrying, though. Did you find they went away pretty quickly? I’m weighing which would be less hassle overall for my daughter, especially since she’s not the most careful with her braces.

Springs being “on” all the time seems like a big advantage. The mouth sores part is a little worrying, though.

I totally get the concern about mouth sores - my son had springs and the first week was rough, but after that his mouth seemed to toughen up. He actually forgot about them most days. For us, not having to nag about elastics made life way less stressful.

the first week was rough, but after that his mouth seemed to toughen up.

That’s actually a bit reassuring to hear. My kid’s ortho is pushing for springs, but I’m still worried about the pain and mouth sores dragging on. I know elastics are a pain to remember, but at least they can take them out if it gets too much. I just don’t want to regret picking something permanent if the discomfort doesn’t really fade like you said. Maybe I’m overthinking it, but the idea of “just getting used to it” kinda stresses me out...