Braces and rubberbands?!!?

I got rubber bands 10 days ago. When i first put on the rubber bands, they really didnt hurt. But, fast forward hours later, massive pain especially when you lie on your side. When i woke up from sleeping on my side, once again, massive pain. For awhile i had to sleep on my back. But, yeah, when you first get the rubber bands you really cant open your mouth at all. This of course, makes talking a bit hard. It took me 10 days and now with the rubber bands i can open my mouth pretty wide, but not wide enough where i can eat with them on. Still, definitely wider. Pretty much if you want to know how wide it is about the length of my pointer and middle finger. Also, talking has gotten easier and no more massive pain. But... my teeth were more or less straight (before braces) and my over bit was not that bad to beginning with as compare to others. So depending on how bad your over bit is will depending on how long it takes for your rubber bands to loosen up on their own. I dont know how my rubber bands loosen up but they just did. I put new ones on every morning as the doctor orders but now i just can open wider. Hope my experience helps.

I had to wear rubber bands on my braces too. If it's really painful and getting in the way of your speech you should tell your parents or talk to your orthodontist about it. Most likely you may need a more flexible rubber band. Another good idea is to try to open your mouth as wide as you can and hold it for a few seconds then close and repeat a few times this loosens the rubber bands. if it's not getting any better you should again tell your parents or talk to your orthodontist.

Yeah, i've got the exact same thing actually, lol. It does suck. But look at it this way...

After it's all over you'll have perfect teeth, from an orthodontist's perspective, so it's probably worth it to wear whatever you've gotta wear for however long you have to, because in the end, it'll all pay off.

Hope that helps :l

Wide Rubber Bands

ok...this is bringing back memories-

make sure you wear them all the time when you should!! (i had to wear them for about 4 months because my over-bite was really bad)

i got rid of my rubberbands sooner and my braces off quicker because i wore them all the time.

believe me, you will get used to them. when you first put them on they will be tight but after you talk and stretch them more, they will become looser. Ok at school you are not the only one with them. I remember when i had them i would ask other people and they had to wear them too. You are not alone :) just think of how beautiful your smile will be when you get them off!!! :)

hang in there! =)

you'll get them off sooner than you think

I've had to wear them. I suggest that you wear them. I remember I thought they were stupid and I didn't wear them because they hurt. So, my orthodontist could tell that I wasn't wearing them, and told me that I'd have to have my braces on for another 1-2 months.