Orthodontic elastics, commonly known as rubber bands, are a necessary element of comprehensive orthodontic treatment. While braces or clear aligners straighten teeth within each arch, elastics move entire groups of teeth or adjust the relationship between the upper and lower jaws. Their function is to apply the precise, constant force necessary to achieve a stable and functional bite correction. Consistency in wear is paramount, as any lapse can quickly compromise the planned progression of treatment and affect the final result.
The Specific Function of Orthodontic Elastics
Orthodontic elastics perform mechanical actions that fixed archwires and brackets alone cannot accomplish. Their primary role is interarch correction, adjusting the front-to-back, side-to-side, or vertical relationship between the upper and lower teeth. For instance, they correct Class II malocclusions (protruding upper teeth) or Class III malocclusions (lower jaw sitting forward).
These bands are strategically hooked onto specific points to create a pulling vector that shifts jaw position over time. They also resolve midline discrepancies, ensuring the center lines of the dental arches align properly. The elastics work by constantly remodeling the surrounding bone tissue, allowing the tooth to move into its prescribed place. This consistent force guides the teeth into an interlocking position that optimizes chewing function and long-term stability.
Immediate Reversal of Progress
When orthodontic elastics are not worn, the continuous force needed for tooth movement is immediately lost, causing a rapid physical setback. Teeth are held in place by periodontal ligaments, which encourage them to revert to their original, incorrect positions. This phenomenon, known as relapse, can begin almost immediately and is noticeable after just a few days of non-compliance.
Progress achieved over preceding days or weeks can be quickly undone because the surrounding bone tissue has not yet solidified around the new tooth position. A common experience after a lapse in wear is increased soreness when the elastics are finally put back on. This heightened discomfort occurs because the sudden reapplication of force must overcome that reversal, creating renewed pressure. Inconsistent wear causes the cycle of movement and relapse to repeat, prolonging discomfort indefinitely.
Extended Treatment Time and Final Outcome Risks
Consistent failure to wear orthodontic elastics as instructed leads to a significant extension of the overall treatment timeline. Since elastics are responsible for major bite corrections, neglecting them means this phase of movement does not happen. This can add several months to the treatment duration, potentially extending the time in braces by a year or more.
The most significant risk is that the desired final bite correction may not be achieved, compromising the entire purpose of the treatment. Without elastics, the upper and lower jaws may not fit together correctly, even if the teeth are straight. This incomplete result can lead to functional issues, such as difficulty chewing, excessive wear on certain teeth, and the potential for jaw pain or temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders later in life. In extreme cases, the orthodontist may be unable to finish the treatment as planned, requiring more complex interventions.
Steps to Take After Missing Wear Time
If you have missed several hours or a few days of wearing your elastics, immediately resume the prescribed wear schedule. Do not panic, as a short lapse will not ruin the entire treatment, but it must be addressed promptly. Contact your orthodontist’s office as soon as possible to inform them of the missed time and ask for specific guidance.
Resist the urge to compensate by “double-banding” or wearing extra elastics to speed things up. Using more than the prescribed number creates excessive, uncontrolled force that can damage the roots of the teeth or the surrounding bone. Follow the original schedule and wear only the size and strength of elastics your orthodontist recommended. Being honest about the lapse allows the orthodontist to accurately adjust your treatment plan.