Orthodontic elastics, commonly called rubber bands, are a precise component in the overall braces treatment plan. They are used to apply specific, targeted forces between the upper and lower jaws or between different teeth within the same arch. The primary function of elastics is to correct the bite by aligning the jaws and ensuring the top and bottom teeth fit together properly. This movement cannot be achieved effectively by fixed archwires alone. Consistent wear drives the complex movement needed for proper alignment.
The Orthodontist’s Primary Directive: Removal Protocols
The standard directive from most orthodontists is to remove elastics completely before eating any significant meal or snack. The goal is to wear the rubber bands for a high number of hours each day, typically between 20 and 24 hours, but mealtimes are the most common exception. Removing the elastics allows for normal chewing mechanics and prevents damage to the bands or the brackets they are attached to.
While removal is the general protocol for main meals, some orthodontists may permit keeping elastics in for very small, non-chewing items like soft drinks or sips of water. Any activity involving substantial chewing force or food that requires grinding requires temporary removal. Following this protocol ensures compliance without compromising the structural integrity of the orthodontic hardware during a meal.
Understanding the Risks of Chewing with Elastics
Chewing food while elastics are in place carries several distinct risks that negatively affect treatment progress. The rigorous mechanical forces of mastication cause the rubber material to stretch significantly, leading to a rapid loss of tensile force. Since the elastic’s effectiveness depends on constant force, this degradation quickly renders the band useless for moving teeth.
Chewing also increases the risk of the elastic breaking entirely, which immediately interrupts the continuous force application required for tooth movement. Furthermore, the chewing action can force food particles to become trapped around the elastics and the small hooks of the brackets. This trapped debris creates a difficult-to-clean environment that promotes bacterial buildup. Ultimately, this compromises both oral hygiene and treatment effectiveness.
Replacement Schedule and Oral Hygiene Routine
Post-Meal Protocol: Replacement and Hygiene
After removing elastics for a meal, a strict routine must be followed to maintain prescribed force and hygiene levels. Old, removed elastics should never be reused, as they are considered contaminated and have already lost strength.
The elastic material loses strength after only a few hours of wear, with significant loss occurring after about eight to twelve hours. A fresh band is necessary to re-establish the correct force level required for tooth movement.
Oral Hygiene and Reapplication
Immediately following the meal, the teeth and braces must be thoroughly brushed and flossed to remove trapped food debris and plaque. This cleaning step is essential to prevent potential decay and inflammation before new elastics are placed.
Once the mouth is clean, a new set of elastics must be applied precisely as instructed by the orthodontist. This immediately resumes the continuous pressure required for the intended tooth and jaw alignment.