Elastic Bands for Braces

Since November I wore my rubber bands consistently for a month then suddenly maybe missed weekends for the next couple months. Then I would only where them for  half a day  the  a third of a day then not at all. The pain was so bad and annoying I just stopped all together. I feel bad for not wearing them since maybe March but I just need advice on why it still hurts so bad. It was supposed to end after the first couple of days. Advice please