Orthodontic elastics, commonly called rubber bands, are small, stretchy components used with braces to achieve specific tooth and jaw movements. These elastics apply supplementary force that brackets and wires alone cannot generate, often correcting bite issues such as overbites, underbites, and crossbites. They are typically stretched between hooks on the upper and lower arch brackets, creating tension to guide the teeth into their desired position. Understanding the effects of chewing with elastics in place is important for maintaining both oral health and treatment progress.
Standard Instructions for Wearing Orthodontic Elastics
Orthodontists generally prescribe near- constant wear for elastics, requiring them to be worn 24 hours a day, seven days a week. This consistent pressure facilitates the gradual, predictable movement of teeth and jaws. The most common instruction is to remove the elastics before eating main meals and before brushing.
The primary reason for removal is to avoid damaging the bands and the orthodontic hardware. Elastics lose their tension and elasticity over time, and the mechanical forces involved in chewing rapidly degrade their effectiveness. After the meal and oral hygiene routine, patients are advised to immediately replace the old elastics with a fresh pair. While some orthodontists permit wearing them for light snacking, the rule for heavy chewing is removal.
Immediate Physical Consequences and Oral Hygiene Challenges
Attempting to eat a full meal while wearing orthodontic elastics introduces several immediate physical challenges. The tension restricts the natural movement of the jaw, making it difficult to fully open the mouth or properly grind food. This added pressure can lead to discomfort, particularly when biting into hard, sticky, or chewy foods, as the teeth are already sensitive from the constant orthodontic force.
Risk of Breakage and Ingestion
The forces exerted during chewing significantly increase the risk of the elastic snapping or breaking under strain. If an elastic breaks unexpectedly, the sudden release of tension can be startling, and the broken piece may flick the soft tissues of the mouth, causing brief discomfort. A broken elastic must be replaced immediately to restore the necessary continuous force. If an elastic is accidentally swallowed, it is typically harmless, as these bands are made from medical-grade materials designed to pass safely through the digestive system.
Oral Hygiene Challenges
Eating with elastics on creates significant oral hygiene challenges. Food particles, especially from sticky or fibrous foods, can easily become trapped around the bands and the bracket hooks. This entrapment makes effective brushing and flossing nearly impossible without first removing the elastics. If the bands are left in place during a meal, the trapped debris contributes to plaque buildup. A lack of proper cleaning increases the risk of developing cavities or gum inflammation around the braces.
Impact on Treatment Timeline and Effectiveness
The effectiveness of orthodontic treatment is directly tied to the consistency of the force applied by the elastics. These bands are manufactured to deliver a specific, gentle force to facilitate predictable tooth movement. Wearing elastics intermittently or during activities that compromise their integrity disrupts this process, which can delay the overall treatment timeline.
When elastics are stretched or broken during a meal, they no longer apply the intended force, rendering wear time ineffective. Old elastics lose their elasticity and tensile strength after about eight hours, meaning they must be changed frequently to maintain the prescribed pressure. Consistently eating with elastics on leads to a cycle of breakage, stretching, and insufficient force, resulting in lost hours of therapeutic pressure.
A lack of compliance with the prescribed elastic wear regimen means the teeth and jaw movements slow down or even stall, extending the duration of the orthodontic process. This cumulative effect can add months to the treatment plan. To ensure the most efficient progress, strict adherence to the wear and replacement instructions is necessary for achieving the desired alignment in the shortest possible time.