Orthodontic treatment often relies on small, stretchy devices known as orthodontic elastics or rubber bands. These bands are typically made from medical-grade latex or a non-latex material. Their primary function is to apply gentle, controlled forces between the upper and lower jaws to correct bite discrepancies such as overbites, underbites, and crossbites. Because they are worn consistently, patients frequently wonder if they must be removed every time they drink. While drinking is permitted, the specific properties of the liquid determine the risk to the elastic material and oral health.
The Immediate Answer: Liquids That Pose No Risk
The safest liquid to consume while wearing orthodontic elastics is plain water, including tap, bottled, or unflavored sparkling water. Water is neutral and does not contain the pigments, sugars, or acids that can compromise the elastic material or damage the teeth. It is advisable to drink water at room temperature or cooler, as this poses no threat to the elastic’s integrity. Since water is harmless to the appliance, the bands can be left in place while drinking. Consistent water intake also helps flush the mouth, minimizing the accumulation of debris around the brackets and wires.
Understanding the Risks of Certain Beverages
Liquids other than plain water introduce three primary concerns for patients wearing elastics: material degradation, staining, and oral health risks.
Material Degradation (Heat)
One significant concern is the potential for material degradation, particularly when consuming hot beverages. Exposing elastics to high temperatures, such as those found in hot coffee or tea, can cause a reduction in their tensile strength over time. This force decay means the elastic stretches out and loses its ability to exert the necessary pressure for tooth movement. This ultimately slows orthodontic progress.
Staining and Discoloration
Another risk is purely aesthetic, involving the staining or discoloration of the elastics. Highly pigmented liquids are absorbed by the rubber material, especially in clear or light-colored bands. Beverages like red wine, dark sodas, and black coffee contain chromogens that can permanently change the color of the bands. While staining does not affect the corrective force, it can make the bands appear unhygienic until they are replaced.
Oral Health and Enamel Damage
The most serious risk relates to oral hygiene and enamel health, heightened by acidic and sugary drinks. Sports drinks, fruit juices, and carbonated sodas contain high levels of sugar and acid. These substances are trapped against the tooth surface by the brackets and elastics. This combination creates an environment where bacteria thrive and produce acids that cause demineralization of the enamel, leading to the formation of white spots.
Best Practices for Drinking and Elastic Care
To mitigate the risks posed by non-water liquids, patients should adopt a few simple practices. It is advisable to remove the elastics before consuming any beverage that is hot, highly pigmented, or contains sugar or acid. Removing the bands before drinking a hot liquid prevents the material from stretching and losing its corrective force. Once the drink is finished, the bands should be immediately replaced with a fresh pair to ensure consistent pressure on the teeth.
After consuming anything other than water, the mouth should be thoroughly rinsed with water. This action helps wash away residual sugars, acids, and staining pigments from the teeth and orthodontic hardware. If possible, a full brushing and flossing session is the most effective way to eliminate debris and neutralize the acidic environment.
If an elastic snaps while drinking, discard it and put on a new one right away to prevent treatment delay. Since the orthodontic force must be continuous, patients should always keep extra elastics on hand. Repeated breakage may indicate a need to adjust the elastic size or force, which should prompt a call to the orthodontist.