Orthodontic rubber bands, or elastics, are a common and effective component used during braces treatment. While the brackets and wires primarily work to straighten individual teeth, elastics apply the necessary inter-arch forces to align the entire bite. Mastering the proper application of these small bands is directly related to the success and speed of your treatment. This guidance provides the steps required for correctly placing and maintaining your prescribed orthodontic elastics.
Understanding Orthodontic Elastics
Orthodontic elastics are small, medical-grade latex or synthetic loops that provide a continuous, light force to move the upper and lower jaws into their correct relationship. They supplement the work of braces by correcting bite discrepancies that fixed appliances cannot accomplish alone. These bands generate a consistent tensile force, often around 200 grams per side, to guide teeth and jaw structure over time.
The placement pattern of elastics is highly specific and determined by the alignment issue they are correcting.
Common Elastic Patterns
- A Class II pattern corrects an overbite, stretching from an anchor point on the upper arch (often the canine) to a molar hook on the lower arch.
- A Class III pattern corrects an underbite, connecting a lower tooth to an upper molar to pull the lower jaw back and the upper jaw forward.
- Other configurations, such as triangular or box elastics, are used for complex vertical or crossbite corrections, connecting multiple hooks on a single side.
Step-by-Step Guide to Placing Bands
Begin by thoroughly washing your hands to maintain oral hygiene and prevent the introduction of bacteria. You must clearly identify the specific anchor points—the small metal hooks or buttons on your brackets or molar bands—as directed by your orthodontist. Misplacing the elastic by even a single tooth can apply force in the wrong direction, slowing treatment progress.
You can use your fingers or the small plastic hook tool provided by your orthodontist, especially if you have difficulty reaching the back molars. Secure one end of the elastic onto the designated anchor point of the first arch, typically the one that is harder to reach. Use the tip of the plastic hook or your pointer finger to gently stretch the band away from the bracket.
Maintain a steady grip on the stretched elastic and guide it carefully toward the second anchor point on the opposing arch. Biting down slightly can bring the teeth closer together, reducing the distance the band needs to stretch and making placement easier. Slowly slide the loop of the elastic over the second hook, ensuring the band is fully seated and not slipping off the metal.
After placement, gently release the tension and visually confirm in a mirror that the elastic follows the exact pattern prescribed for your bite correction. The band should be taut but not painfully tight, and it should not interfere with the proper closure of your mouth. If instructed, repeat this process on the opposite side, always using a new elastic for each placement.
Essential Tips for Wearing and Maintenance
Consistency is the most important factor for effectiveness, as the force must be continuous to facilitate controlled bone and tooth movement. Most treatment plans require the elastics to be worn full-time, meaning 20 to 24 hours a day, including while sleeping. Failure to wear them consistently, even for a day, can cause the teeth to relapse, potentially erasing the progress achieved over the preceding days.
The elastics should be removed only for eating and for your daily oral hygiene routine of brushing and flossing. It is essential to replace them immediately with a new pair after these activities. The act of chewing and the time spent out of the mouth causes the material to lose its elasticity, meaning an elastic worn for several hours no longer provides the correct amount of force required for movement.
For optimal results, replace the elastics at least two to three times throughout the day to ensure the forces remain active and consistent. When you first start wearing the bands, you may experience some initial soreness in your teeth and jaw, similar to the initial adjustment period with braces. This discomfort is normal and typically subsides within the first few days of continuous wear.
Never attempt to double up on elastics, even if you have missed a day, as this can apply excessive and damaging force to the teeth and supporting structures. If a band snaps or you notice you are running low on your supply, contact your orthodontist immediately to obtain more, preventing any gap in your treatment schedule. Keeping a small, clean bag of extra elastics with you at all times is a simple way to maintain compliance throughout the day.