Orthodontic elastics (rubber bands) are small but powerful components of braces treatment used to correct bite alignment issues, such as overbites or underbites. These elastics apply a consistent force between the upper and lower jaws to guide the teeth and jaw structure into their proper positions. Because these bands are responsible for correcting the bite, their integrity is directly linked to the success and duration of the overall process. The immediate answer to whether you can chew gum with elastics is typically no, due to the high risk of damage and subsequent treatment delays.
Why Gum Poses a Threat to Elastics
The primary function of orthodontic elastics is to generate continuous, precise forces to move teeth and align the jaw. Chewing gum directly interferes with this calibrated system because of its sticky, stretchy, and pliable material composition. The constant motion of chewing causes the gum to easily wrap around the exposed surface of the elastics.
When the gum adheres to the elastic, the chewing action can cause the rubber band to stretch excessively, immediately reducing its therapeutic force. Overstretching weakens the elastic’s material strength, meaning it ceases to apply the necessary tension for tooth movement. The sticky mass of gum can pull the elastic completely off the hooks on the brackets or even cause the band to snap entirely.
A snapped or dislodged elastic instantly halts the corrective force, which directly impedes treatment progression. The patient must replace the damaged elastic immediately to resume the prescribed force, but this represents a loss of critical treatment time. Failure to wear elastics consistently, often caused by needing to replace them after a gum incident, is one of the most common reasons for prolonged orthodontic treatment schedules.
Impact on General Oral Hygiene and Hardware
Chewing gum poses significant mechanical and hygienic threats to the entire braces system, beyond the risk to the elastics themselves. Gum’s adhesive quality allows it to easily lodge within the intricate components of the braces, including the wires, brackets, and springs. Once stuck, the residue is extremely difficult to remove, often requiring specialized tools or professional assistance.
This trapped gum residue creates a haven for bacteria and food particles, dramatically increasing the risk of plaque buildup and localized tooth decay. Since braces already complicate routine brushing and flossing, the addition of sticky gum makes effective oral hygiene nearly impossible. Over time, this can lead to enamel demineralization or cavities forming around the brackets.
The physical act of chewing tough, sticky gum also places undue strain on the bonded hardware. The constant pulling action can weaken the adhesive bond holding the brackets, increasing the probability of a bracket loosening or popping off. The mechanical stress can also bend the archwires that run through the brackets, disrupting the programmed force necessary to move the teeth and requiring an emergency repair appointment.
Orthodontist-Approved Chewing Guidelines
While traditional, sticky gum is prohibited, some orthodontists may permit the cautious use of soft, sugar-free gum under specific conditions. The preferred varieties are those sweetened with xylitol, which stimulates saliva flow to neutralize acids and wash away food particles. This is only permitted if the gum is truly soft and non-sticky, minimizing the chance of it adhering to the hardware.
If elastics are in use, most practitioners recommend that patients remove the bands completely before chewing the approved gum. The bands must be immediately replaced once the gum is discarded to ensure continuous wear time, which should be close to 20 hours per day. Chewing should be limited to short intervals, often no more than 10 to 15 minutes, to avoid excessive mechanical stress on the braces.
For patients seeking a non-damaging way to satisfy the urge to chew, several safe alternatives exist. These include consuming soft, non-sticky foods or using orthodontic-safe chewies provided by the orthodontist. The best practice remains consulting the treating orthodontist directly, as they can provide precise guidance based on the specific type of elastics, the stage of treatment, and the integrity of the patient’s hardware.