Orthodontic elastics, commonly known as rubber bands, are a patient-dependent component of braces treatment designed to achieve a healthy, functional bite. These small, removable devices apply tension between the upper and lower dental arches to correct the alignment of the jaw structure, a goal that metal wires alone cannot accomplish. The success of the bite correction phase rests entirely on your consistent compliance, even though your orthodontist controls the placement of the brackets and wires. Wearing the elastics as directed, typically close to 24 hours a day, is the most important factor for progressing through this stage of treatment as planned.
The Specific Role of Orthodontic Elastics
Elastics apply directional force between the two jaws, a process known as inter-arch correction. They are prescribed in specific configurations, such as Class II, Class III, or diagonal patterns, to resolve bite discrepancies like overbites, underbites, and crossbites. These bands, made of medical-grade latex or synthetic material, exert a continuous force to guide entire dental arches into harmony. This force supplements the work of the archwires, which primarily focus on straightening individual teeth within each arch. Without this consistent, extra-arch force, the teeth may become straight, but the upper and lower jaws will not align correctly, leaving the bite uncorrected.
Immediate Consequences: Loss of Progress and Relapse
The biological mechanisms that allow teeth to move rely on constant, uninterrupted pressure. Orthodontic movement occurs as the bone and periodontal ligaments surrounding the tooth roots remodel in response to the applied force. When you stop wearing your elastics, even for a few hours, the tension is removed, and tooth movement immediately begins to reverse. The elastic fibers within the periodontal ligament attempt to pull the teeth back toward their original, incorrect positions, a phenomenon known as relapse.
Just a few hours of missed wear can negate days of compliance, causing a rapid reversal of progress. The bone and soft tissues require sustained pressure to stabilize the teeth in their new location. Inconsistent force can also disrupt the delicate remodeling process of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), potentially leading to discomfort or jaw issues. When elastics are put back in place after a break, the renewed soreness signals that the teeth have shifted back and the work must begin again.
Cumulative Impact: Extended Treatment and Increased Cost
Non-compliance directly extends the overall orthodontic treatment time, often by many months. Each week of insufficient elastic wear can translate to several weeks of delay in reaching the goal of a corrected bite, pushing back the date your braces can be removed. This prolonged treatment has a financial impact, as the initial contract price is typically based on an estimated duration. Many orthodontic offices charge additional monthly fees if treatment extends beyond the estimated timeframe.
Extended treatment means more time off from work or school for appointments. It also increases the potential need for new supplies or a complete change in the treatment plan if relapse is significant. Beyond the financial strain, the psychological burden of a prolonged process can be significant. Patients who experience setbacks often report increased frustration and a diminished sense of self-esteem as the expected end-date moves further away.
Getting Back on Track: Steps for Compliance Recovery
If you have fallen out of the routine of wearing your elastics, contact your orthodontist immediately for guidance. Never attempt to compensate for lost time by placing two elastics on each side or wearing them for longer than prescribed. Doubling the force can be detrimental, potentially causing root damage, bone loss, or inhibiting tooth movement due to excessive pressure.
The next step is to re-establish a strict daily routine for wear, typically aiming for 22 to 24 hours a day, removing them only to eat and brush your teeth. You must change the elastics frequently, often two to three times a day, because the material loses its elasticity and effective force within a few hours.
The initial re-adjustment period may cause temporary soreness. This discomfort typically subsides within two to four days as your teeth become accustomed to the pressure. Over-the-counter pain relievers, cold liquids, or a warm salt-water rinse can help manage this temporary discomfort.