Orthodontic rubber bands, also known as elastics, are small, medical-grade loops attached to hooks on your braces to provide additional, targeted force. This continuous pressure corrects bite alignment issues, such as overbites, underbites, and crossbites, by adjusting the relationship between the upper and lower jaws. Since elastics must be worn for approximately 20 to 22 hours per day, patients often ask if they must be removed for drinking any liquid other than water.
Drinking Water and Clear Liquids
Drinking plain water is the only activity where it is safe and recommended to keep your orthodontic elastics in place. Water is neutral in pH and contains no sugars, pigments, or chemicals that can degrade the elastic material or compromise oral hygiene. Consistent hydration is encouraged for all orthodontic patients as it helps rinse away loose food debris and neutralize the mouth’s environment.
When considering other liquids, those that are clear, non-acidic, and sugar-free are generally the next best options, though they should be approached with caution. Plain seltzer or sparkling water without added flavorings or citric acid usually presents a low risk to the integrity of the elastics. Similarly, unsweetened, clear herbal tea that is cool or lukewarm may be acceptable, but any potential staining or material degradation risk is minimized by removing the elastics first.
Why Other Beverages Pose a Risk
Consuming most beverages while wearing elastics introduces specific threats that can slow the progress of your treatment. The material used in orthodontic elastics is susceptible to chemical and thermal degradation. Highly acidic liquids, such as sodas, fruit juices, and sports drinks, accelerate the breakdown of the elastic material, causing them to lose their prescribed force more quickly. This means the teeth are not receiving the continuous pressure needed for correction.
Colored beverages present an aesthetic problem. Dark liquids like coffee, red wine, dark sodas, and certain teas contain intense pigments that heavily stain the light-colored elastics. This staining makes the elastics highly visible, often requiring premature replacement.
A more serious concern is the effect of sugary and acidic drinks on your teeth and the hardware. The acids in these drinks begin to dissolve tooth enamel when the mouth’s pH drops below 5.5. Braces and elastics create numerous small surfaces where sugary liquid can become trapped against the tooth surface for extended periods. This combination of trapped sugar and acidity dramatically increases the risk of decalcification, which results in permanent white spots on the teeth. Even diet and sugar-free sodas are often highly acidic and pose this erosion risk.
Techniques for Safe Beverage Consumption
The most effective technique for safely consuming any beverage other than plain water is to remove the elastics before you start drinking. Elastics are single-use items designed to be replaced multiple times per day, so a brief removal for consumption does not harm the overall treatment plan. They must be detached from the hooks on your upper and lower brackets and stored safely, or discarded, before the liquid touches the appliance.
If you are going to drink a potentially risky liquid quickly, such as a single serving of a sugary drink, using a straw can help minimize contact between the liquid and the teeth and elastics. However, this is not a substitute for removal and does not eliminate the risk of acid and sugar exposure. The acid and sugar will still linger in the mouth, so a follow-up action is necessary.
Immediately after drinking anything sugary, acidic, or pigmented, it is highly recommended to rinse your mouth thoroughly with plain water. Swishing water around your mouth washes away residual acids and sugars, helping to bring the mouth’s pH back to a neutral level and protect the enamel. This rinsing action is a simple yet powerful defense against decalcification and plaque buildup around your hardware.
Once your mouth has been rinsed or cleaned, you must immediately replace the elastics to ensure the force delivery is continuous. If the elastics were removed for a sugary or pigmented drink, or if they were stretched or handled excessively, it is best practice to use a fresh pair from your supply. Minimizing the time they are out of your mouth is paramount to keeping your orthodontic treatment on schedule.