Orthodontic elastics, commonly known as rubber bands, are a component of many orthodontic treatment plans. These medical-grade bands work with braces or clear aligners to achieve movements that fixed appliances cannot manage alone. Their primary function is to apply controlled, gentle force to correct the alignment of your bite, or malocclusion. This bite correction addresses issues like overbites, underbites, and crossbites, ensuring the upper and lower teeth meet properly. The necessity of maintaining continuous force application directly answers whether these must be worn during sleep.
The Requirement for Continuous Wear
Yes, elastics must remain in place while you sleep. Orthodontic treatment requires nearly full-time wear, typically demanding that the bands be worn for 22 to 24 hours each day. Sleep is not a period of rest for the treatment; rather, it represents a substantial block of uninterrupted time where the corrective force can be consistently applied.
Any lengthy break prevents the teeth from settling into new positions, allowing them to drift back toward their original alignment. Skipping even a single night can negate the progress achieved over the preceding days, effectively forcing the teeth to start moving again the next morning. This stop-and-start motion slows down the entire treatment process, which is a common reason patients end up wearing their braces longer than anticipated.
Inconsistent wear leads to repeated soreness, as the teeth are subjected to new pressure every time the bands are reapplied after a long break. The goal is to reach a state where the pressure feels normal, which only happens with continuous application, allowing the mouth to acclimate to the force. Ultimately, failing to comply with the mandated wear time risks an incomplete correction, leaving the bite compromised even after the braces are removed.
How Orthodontic Elastics Work
The strict wear requirement is due to the biological process of tooth movement, which depends on constant, gentle pressure. Teeth move not by being physically dragged, but by stimulating the bone that surrounds their roots. This process is known as bone remodeling.
The consistent force applied by the elastics creates pressure on one side of the tooth and tension on the other. The bone tissue on the side experiencing compression begins to break down, or resorb, while new bone is simultaneously deposited on the side under tension. This slow, coordinated breakdown and build-up is what allows the tooth to migrate through the jawbone into its intended location.
If the force is applied intermittently, the bone remodeling cycle is disrupted, preventing the necessary biological changes from taking hold. The forces needed to initiate this cellular response must be maintained over an extended duration to be effective.
Essential Daily Management Tips
Routine management of the elastics ensures the continuous force remains effective throughout the day. The bands should be removed only for thorough brushing and flossing, and they should be replaced with a fresh pair immediately afterward. While some patients are advised to eat while wearing them, removal for meals is a common practice.
It is important to change the elastics frequently, typically two to four times per day, such as after every meal and before bed. The elastic material naturally loses tension and elasticity over time, with much of the force diminishing after about eight hours of wear. A worn-out band cannot apply the necessary pressure, essentially stalling the treatment.
Patients should keep a sufficient supply of fresh elastics available, including a spare pack when leaving the house. If an elastic breaks or the supply runs unexpectedly low, the orthodontist’s office should be contacted right away to obtain replacements. Consistent replacement and correct placement are simple habits that keep the treatment progressing smoothly.