Orthodontic elastics, commonly known as rubber bands, are a specialized component of braces treatment designed to achieve movements that wires and brackets cannot accomplish alone. They apply specific, controlled force between the upper and lower jaws to correct how the teeth fit together, a process called occlusal alignment. The successful outcome of your entire treatment plan depends on wearing these elastics exactly as prescribed, as they drive the final phase of tooth and jaw correction.
The Immediate Impact on Treatment Progress
Orthodontic treatment relies on the biological process of bone remodeling, which requires a gentle, continuous application of pressure to the teeth. This continuous force stimulates specialized cells (osteoclasts and osteoblasts) to break down and rebuild bone, allowing the tooth to move into its new position. Wearing elastics for fewer hours than instructed converts this necessary continuous force into an intermittent one.
Intermittent pressure dramatically slows or completely stalls the desired movement because the biological process is interrupted. When pressure is removed, the stretched fibers in the gum tissue begin to pull the teeth back toward their original positions, a phenomenon called relapse. Each period of non-compliance forces the orthodontist to restart or regain lost ground, adding months to the overall treatment timeline.
The Risk of Incomplete Correction and Bite Issues
Orthodontic elastics are specifically prescribed to fix the relationship between the upper and lower jaws, known as the bite, or occlusion. While braces alone can straighten teeth within the arches, they cannot effectively resolve the front-to-back or side-to-side discrepancies between the jaws. Neglecting the elastics means the underlying malocclusion, such as an overbite, underbite, or crossbite, will not be corrected.
If elastics are not worn consistently, the teeth may appear straight, but the unstable bite relationship leads to long-term functional problems. An uncorrected bite causes uneven wear on tooth surfaces, resulting in sensitivity or premature damage. Chewing can become difficult, and the muscles and joints of the jaw may experience strain. Severe non-compliance may necessitate starting over with a new treatment plan or moving to more complex procedures, such as Temporary Anchorage Devices (TADs) or orthognathic surgery.
Addressing Non-Compliance and Corrective Measures
A common misconception is that a patient can “catch up” for lost time by wearing two elastics at once or wearing them for 48 hours straight after neglect. This strategy is ineffective and harmful to the teeth and supporting structures. Doubling up elastics applies excessive, uncontrolled force that can damage tooth roots or cause unnecessary pain without accelerating safe movement. Orthodontic movement relies on light, sustained pressure, not a sudden, heavy jolt.
If you have been non-compliant, the most productive step is to immediately resume wearing your elastics as prescribed and contact your orthodontist. You must be honest about compliance issues, as the orthodontist relies on accurate information to make clinical decisions. Lying about wear time prevents the practitioner from adjusting forces, changing wire stiffness, or modifying the treatment plan to account for slower progress. Honesty ensures that the correct clinical adjustments are made, saving time and money while ensuring the best final outcome.