Orthodontic elastics, commonly known as rubber bands, are small, removable loops used in conjunction with fixed braces. Made from latex or synthetic materials, they are placed strategically between the upper and lower teeth or jaws. These elastics are a personalized component of your treatment plan, prescribed by your orthodontist to apply specific, directed forces to the teeth and jaw structure. They are fundamentally different from the small elastic ligatures that hold the wire to the brackets.
The Function of Orthodontic Elastics
While the brackets and wires of braces primarily work to straighten individual teeth within their respective arches, orthodontic elastics are designed to correct the relationship between the upper and lower jaws. This jaw alignment, known as occlusion or the bite, is a complex biomechanical process that braces alone often cannot achieve. The elastics apply a continuous, controlled tension that guides the entire dental arch forward or backward.
The force applied by the elastics encourages the bone surrounding the tooth roots to remodel, gradually moving the teeth and adjusting the jaw position. For example, a common pattern involves connecting an upper molar hook to a lower canine bracket to correct an overbite. This targeted force is customized to treat discrepancies like overbites, underbites, or crossbites. The size, thickness, and placement of the elastic determine the strength and direction of the force needed for a stable and functional bite.
Understanding the Daily Wear Schedule
The effectiveness of orthodontic elastics depends almost entirely on their consistent use, which is why a strict wear schedule is prescribed. Most orthodontists recommend wearing the elastics for 20 to 22 hours per day, removing them only for eating and brushing teeth. Wearing them consistently, including while sleeping, ensures that the teeth and jaws receive the necessary continuous pressure required for movement.
It is necessary to change the elastics frequently, typically two to three times a day, or every 12 hours. The materials, whether latex or nonlatex, experience significant force degradation once placed in the warm, moist environment of the mouth. Studies show that up to 50% of the elastic’s original force can be lost within the first few hours of use. Replacing them regularly maintains the consistent force needed to stimulate biological tooth movement.
When first beginning to wear the elastics, it is common to experience a few days of tenderness as the teeth and jaws begin to shift. This initial discomfort is temporary and usually resolves within 48 to 72 hours. Continuing to wear the elastics through this adjustment period is the most effective way to minimize prolonged soreness and accelerate the treatment process.
The Consequences of Skipping Elastics
Failing to wear orthodontic elastics as prescribed directly undermines the entire orthodontic treatment plan. The most immediate negative outcome is a significant extension of the time you must wear braces, potentially adding many months to the overall treatment duration. This occurs because the teeth and jaws do not receive the constant force required for the desired biological movement.
Inconsistent wear, where elastics are worn for only short periods or skipped intermittently, works against the treatment. This stop-and-start pressure creates resistance in the teeth, which can slow movement or cause unintended shifting. Neglecting the wear schedule can lead to the failure of bite correction, meaning the upper and lower teeth will not meet correctly, resulting in a poor functional and aesthetic outcome.