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I take it back. The "loose" elastics DO put pressure on my teeth. They don't hurt, but the constant pressure is annoying. Really annoying. It's not helping my headache, either. I woke up a few times last night because of the discomfort. I guess I'll get used to wearing them. I hope.
The good news is that the palatal appliance does not hurt at all this time. I guess the extra repair cost was worth it after all.

Here is the closeup of the antenna to hook the elastic onto. Sort of looks like a snail horn, too.