Orthodontic elastics, commonly called rubber bands, are small rings made of latex or non-latex material used to apply specific forces to the teeth and jaw. They are employed to correct malocclusions, specifically closing gaps or correcting the alignment between the upper and lower jaws, which are known as Class II or Class III corrections. These bands work by creating a continuous, light force necessary to shift teeth into their prescribed positions. The straightforward answer to whether one can eat while wearing them is generally no; they should be removed before consuming a meal.
Why Removal is the Standard Protocol
The primary reason for removing elastics before eating relates directly to the complex biomechanics of mastication. Chewing involves significant, heavy, and cyclical forces that are far greater than the light, continuous force the elastics are designed to deliver. A typical human bite can generate forces ranging from 100 to over 200 pounds per square inch, which is many times the gentle force needed for tooth movement. These powerful, shearing forces are meant to break down food, not maintain a delicate orthodontic tension.
Elastics are engineered to stretch slightly and maintain consistent tension across the dental arch while the mouth is at rest or speaking. When chewing, the jaw moves through wide, complex trajectories that stretch the elastics unpredictably and excessively. This forceful stretching compromises the elastic material, leading to a rapid and detrimental loss of the therapeutic tension. Removal is also necessary because the bands themselves can interfere with the proper function of the temporomandibular joint, making the chewing motion awkward, uncomfortable, and less efficient.
The Risks of Chewing with Elastics On
Ignoring the removal protocol significantly increases the likelihood of physical damage to the appliance and the bands. The heavy forces exerted during chewing can cause the elastic to snap suddenly mid-meal. A broken band immediately halts the corrective force, interrupting the continuous pressure needed for effective tooth movement.
A broken band can potentially damage the small hooks or brackets they are attached to, sometimes requiring an unplanned visit to the orthodontist for repair. Beyond physical damage, wearing elastics while eating creates significant oral hygiene challenges. The elastic material acts as a net, trapping food particles and debris directly against the tooth and bracket surface.
This localized accumulation of food creates an environment where bacteria can flourish, making effective brushing and flossing difficult after the meal. Interrupting the treatment force by breaking bands leads to a compliance setback. Consistency of force is paramount, and any interruption delays the overall timeline of the orthodontic correction.
Post-Meal Re-application and Replacement
After every meal, the elastics must be replaced with a completely new pair. Elastics are designed for single-use daily cycles; they rapidly lose their tensile strength and force capability shortly after being stretched and exposed to the oral environment. Re-using a band that has been stretched or degraded by saliva and food acids means the patient is applying insufficient, ineffective force. This practice slows progress by not providing the prescribed level of sustained pressure.
Hygiene and Placement
Before re-applying the new bands, thorough oral hygiene is necessary, including brushing and flossing around all the wires and brackets. The hands should also be washed carefully to prevent introducing bacteria to the new elastic and the mouth. Patients should use a mirror or a diagram provided by their orthodontist to confirm the correct placement. Incorrect placement, even slightly, can shift the force to an unintended direction, potentially moving a tooth incorrectly.
Maximizing Wear Time
The concept of “wear time” is the most important factor for the success of elastic therapy. Orthodontic movement relies on continuous force, meaning the bands must be worn for the maximum time possible, generally between 20 to 22 hours per day. Skipping re-application after a meal, even a quick snack, means losing valuable treatment time and significantly prolonging the overall duration of the braces. Consistent and immediate re-application ensures the necessary cumulative hourly force is achieved each day.