Constant wear of your elastics is essential. The teeth are normally sore for the first few days of wearing elastics, but the soreness will disappear as soon as your teeth are used to the new pressure. Tylenol, Aleve, or Motrin may be used if needed.
Forgetting to wear your elastics one day means you potentially lost the progress received from previous days. For maximum benefit, orthodontic elastics need to be worn at least 22 hours a day, unless you are instructed otherwise. Elastics need to be changed four times per day: Morning, noon, afternoon, and at night before you go to bed. If these basic instructions are followed your treatment will progress as planned and you will be on your way to a beautiful and healthy smile. Please let us know if you have any questions or concerns.