Orthodontic elastics, often referred to as rubber bands, are small, medical-grade loops used to correct the alignment of your bite, or how your upper and lower teeth fit together. Attached to specific hooks on your braces or clear aligners, these bands generate targeted force to move teeth and jaws into their proper positions. You should remove your orthodontic elastics before eating most foods to prevent damage and maintain hygiene. This temporary removal is necessary, but the bands must be replaced immediately after you finish your meal and clean your mouth.
The Protocol for Removal and Replacement
Safely removing and replacing your elastics is a routine part of daily orthodontic care. Before every meal, carefully unhook the elastics from the attachment points on your upper and lower teeth using your fingers. Used elastics should be immediately discarded, as they rapidly lose tension and strength and should not be worn again. You must carry extra, fresh elastics with you at all times, as a fresh set is required to re-establish the correct force after eating.
After cleaning your mouth, hold a fresh elastic band securely between your thumb and index finger, or use the placement tool provided by your orthodontist. Hook the band onto the designated attachment point on your upper arch first, then gently stretch it to connect to the corresponding hook on your lower arch, following the exact prescribed pattern. Wearing the bands in the wrong configuration can lead to unwanted tooth movement, so use a mirror initially to confirm correct placement. Reapplying a new, strong band is necessary to keep the treatment moving forward and minimize delays.
Why Consistent Wear Matters
Orthodontic tooth movement relies on applying continuous, gentle force to stimulate bone remodeling. For this process to be effective, the force from the elastics must be nearly constant, which is why orthodontists prescribe a wear time of 20 to 24 hours per day. Even short periods of non-compliance significantly reduce treatment efficiency, as teeth can begin to regress to their previous positions. Failing to wear the bands for a single day can negate the progress achieved over the preceding two days.
Inconsistent wear of the elastics will prolong the total duration of your orthodontic treatment. Taking frequent breaks often results in the return of initial soreness every time you put a new set on. Teeth become accustomed to the pressure when bands are worn consistently, but irregular wear reintroduces discomfort and slows progress toward achieving a corrected bite. Maintaining the prescribed wear schedule is the most effective way to ensure your teeth move efficiently and comfortably.
Essential Hygiene and Maintenance
The moment you remove your elastics for a meal is the appropriate time to perform thorough oral hygiene. Food particles can easily become trapped in the braces hardware and the elastics, leading to plaque buildup and an increased risk of cavities. You should brush your teeth and braces thoroughly and rinse your mouth before placing the fresh elastics back onto the hooks. This post-meal cleaning prevents food debris from being trapped against your teeth by the newly applied bands.
Elastics should be replaced several times throughout the day, typically after each meal and before going to sleep. The rubber material loses elasticity and strength after only a few hours, meaning a worn-out band stops applying the necessary corrective force. If a band snaps or breaks, it should be replaced immediately. If the bands on both sides are part of a coordinated system, both should be replaced simultaneously to maintain balanced force. Always ensure you have a sufficient supply of elastics to maintain this frequent change schedule until your next orthodontic appointment.