Rubber Bands Causing Jaw Pain?

I have been wearing level three elastics for approximately a week. I believe it's causing an intense pain in my jaw. Whenever I try to touch my molars together to chew, it flares up. It's only in my right joint. Is it possible my elastics are causing the pain, or could it be something else?

Answer: Jaw pain

By Sarah h

There is a possibility the elastics are causing soreness and tenderness of the jaw and teeth. This is normal and should subside in 7-10 days. Rubber bands are used in conjunction with orthodontics to correct jaw relationships and return or correct your bite to class I occlusion. In doing so, your bite and teeth will be in a new relationship, which will put occlusal forces on places they may not previously have been. A soft diet and over the counter anti inflammatory medication such as ibuprofen can help alleviate your symptoms. If it does not continually get better with time, contact your orthodontist for an evaluation.