Difficult stage of orthodontic treatment: rubber bands

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3sages@earthlink.net - 10 Feb 2005 03:40 GMT

My son is at the "second" stage of his orthodontic treatment, and the
other day the orthodontist showed him how to put rubber bands on his
teeth and braces, which he is supposed to change three or four times
per day.

He is having trouble putting them on and is upset because he thinks he
has a very long way to go until he is finished with braces.

Is there any way to simplify the process of using the rubber bands?

What stage of braces is this?

Thank you in advance.

Howard Sage

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carabelli - 10 Feb 2005 04:13 GMT

> My son is at the "second" stage of his orthodontic treatment, and the
> other day the orthodontist showed him how to put rubber bands on his
[quoted text clipped - 3 lines]
> He is having trouble putting them on and is upset because he thinks he
> has a very long way to go until he is finished with braces.

For 98% of my patients it gets easier to place them fairly quickly

> Is there any way to simplify the process of using the rubber bands?

Sure, we give out some little white plastic gizmos that hold the rubber band
while placing it. Most quit using them in less than a day. If he is still
having trouble in a few days schedule a "re-instruction appointment"

> What stage of braces is this?

Can't tell from here. There are a variety of ways to get to the finish
line. BTW the more consistently these are worn every 24hrs the quicker this
phase of treatment will go. It is more a function of consistent wear rather
than the amount of force. Good luck.

carabelli

> Thank you in advance.
>
> Howard Sage

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