Orthodontic rubber bands, also known as elastics, are small latex or non-latex rings that are stretched between specific points on braces to generate force. They are distinct from the tiny ligatures that wrap around each bracket to hold the archwire in place. These intermaxillary elastics are a necessary part of orthodontic treatment. While braces align individual teeth, elastics are employed to achieve the complex movements needed for a correct bite alignment.
The Purpose of Orthodontic Elastics
The primary function of orthodontic elastics is to correct the alignment of the upper and lower jaws, a relationship known as occlusion. Braces alone excel at straightening teeth, but they require the directed force of elastics to harmonize the bite. These small bands are typically stretched from a hook on an upper tooth to a hook on a lower tooth, creating an inter-arch force.
Elastics are categorized based on the type of bite misalignment they are designed to correct. For instance, Class II elastics address overbites, while Class III elastics help correct underbites. Other configurations, like vertical or diagonal elastics, are used to close open bites or correct crossbites.
The Required Daily Wear Schedule
The effectiveness of orthodontic elastics depends on the consistency of the force they deliver. Orthodontists generally prescribe a near-constant wear schedule, often meaning 20 to 24 hours per day. Patients are instructed to remove the elastics only for eating and for brushing and flossing their teeth.
This requirement exists because tooth movement relies on the continuous remodeling of the bone surrounding the roots. Allowing the teeth to rest for even a few hours causes them to begin drifting back toward their original positions, undoing the progress made. Inconsistent wear results in prolonged soreness and significantly delays treatment. Night-time wear alone is insufficient to achieve the desired movement and bite correction.
Variables Affecting Total Treatment Length
The total number of months a patient must wear elastics is highly individualized and depends on several factors beyond the initial treatment plan. For many patients, the required duration can range from as little as one month to as long as six to nine months, but this timeline is only an estimate.
The severity of the initial bite misalignment is a major determinant, as a more complex malocclusion requires a greater amount of bone remodeling and tooth movement.
Patient compliance, or how faithfully the elastics are worn, is often the single biggest factor influencing the overall timeline. Poor compliance can easily extend the entire treatment by several months or even a year.
Biological factors also play a role, as the rate at which bone tissue responds to the applied force varies from person to person. Older patients may experience slower tooth movement than younger patients. The number of broken brackets or missed appointments also extends the overall duration, as these events interrupt the continuous force application.
Practical Tips and Consequences of Non-Compliance
To maintain a consistent force on the teeth, elastics must be changed frequently because the material loses elasticity over time. Most orthodontists advise changing the elastics at least two to three times a day, typically after every meal and before bedtime.
If a patient fails to wear the elastics as prescribed, the consequences are significant, primarily leading to a substantial extension of the treatment time. The desired bite alignment may not be achieved, resulting in an incomplete treatment outcome where teeth are straight but the upper and lower jaws do not meet correctly. This poor bite can lead to functional issues and may require further interventions later. Inconsistent wear can also prolong the initial discomfort, causing renewed soreness each time the elastics are reintroduced.