Orthodontic elastics, often known as rubber bands, are small components of brace treatment used to refine the relationship between the upper and lower jaws. While braces straighten individual teeth, elastics provide the necessary force to correct how your top and bottom teeth fit together. Mastering the correct application technique is fundamental to achieving your desired bite alignment and ensuring efficient treatment progress.
Why Orthodontic Elastics Are Necessary
The primary function of orthodontic elastics is to apply continuous force to correct jaw alignment, known as a malocclusion. They are typically prescribed when the upper and lower dental arches do not meet correctly, such as with an overbite or an underbite. This corrective force guides groups of teeth and the jaw structure into a harmonious position.
Elastics work by connecting specific anchor points, like small hooks or buttons on the braces, across the two jaws. This constant tension encourages the teeth and skeletal structure to shift, a function the archwire alone cannot achieve. Your orthodontist prescribes the specific pattern, size, and force of the elastics to address your unique bite issue. Following this prescribed pattern is crucial because incorrect placement can move teeth in unintended directions.
Step-by-Step Guide to Elastic Application
Before handling elastics, always wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water to maintain oral hygiene. This preparation is important as you will be placing the elastic directly into your mouth.
Identify the specific anchor points on your braces, which are usually small metal hooks. Your orthodontist will have demonstrated the exact pattern (diagonal, triangular, or box shape) unique to your treatment plan. Using a mirror can be helpful initially to visualize the connections.
Take a single elastic and loop it securely onto the first designated hook, often using your fingers or the plastic elastic placer tool. The placer tool is useful for reaching hooks in the back of the mouth. Gently stretch the elastic to the second anchor point without overextending it before attachment.
Once the first end is secure, carefully guide the elastic over the second hook, ensuring the band snaps into place. Check that the elastic is not twisted or wrapped around any part of the brace other than the prescribed hooks. A twisted elastic will not apply the force correctly, reducing its effectiveness.
Daily Wearing Schedule and Hygiene
Consistent wear is directly correlated with the success of your orthodontic treatment, requiring elastics to be worn nearly full-time. Orthodontists typically recommend wearing them for 20 to 24 hours per day, including while sleeping, to provide the continuous force necessary for tooth movement. Intermittent wear can cause teeth to regress and prolong treatment time.
Elastics should be removed only for brushing, flossing, and sometimes for meals, unless your orthodontist advises you to eat with them in place. Always replace the elastics with a fresh pair after every removal, especially after brushing, to ensure maximum tension.
The elasticity of the bands diminishes significantly over time, typically losing a substantial portion of their force after about 8 to 12 hours of being stretched. For this reason, you should change your elastics at least two to four times per day, or whenever they are removed for hygiene or eating. Using a fresh elastic maintains the constant, precise pressure needed for efficient tooth movement.
Managing Soreness and Broken Elastics
It is common to experience mild soreness in the teeth and jaw when you first begin wearing elastics or after an adjustment. This discomfort is a sign that the forces are actively moving your teeth and typically subsides within the first few days of continuous wear. Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen, can help manage this initial sensitivity.
If an elastic breaks, replace it immediately with a new one to maintain consistent pressure. If you are wearing elastics symmetrically on both sides, and one breaks, replace the elastic on the opposite side as well to ensure balanced forces are applied. Ignoring a broken elastic slows down progress and can cause uneven tooth movement.
If elastics cause irritation or rub against the inside of your cheeks, use a small piece of orthodontic wax to cover the hook or bracket causing the friction. Always keep a supply of extra elastics with you to handle unexpected breakages. If a hook on your brace has broken off, or if your supply is running low, contact your orthodontist’s office immediately.