The Purpose of Orthodontic Elastics
Orthodontic elastics, also known as rubber bands, are small, flexible, medical-grade bands used with braces. They come in various sizes and strengths to customize force.
Elastics apply targeted, continuous force to align teeth and jaws. While braces primarily align teeth within a single dental arch, elastics address bite issues by moving teeth between the upper and lower arches. Their “interarch” force capability corrects complex bite problems wires alone cannot resolve.
Elastics specifically correct malocclusions, or discrepancies in how upper and lower teeth meet. For an overbite, they pull upper teeth backward and lower teeth forward. For an underbite, elastics move the lower jaw backward and upper jaw forward. They also address crossbites, where upper teeth bite inside lower teeth, and open bites, where front teeth do not meet. By applying consistent pressure, elastics enhance treatment efficiency, shifting teeth and jaws into desired positions for a harmonious bite.
How to Use and Care for Your Elastics
Correct use of orthodontic elastics is important for effective treatment. Your orthodontist provides specific instructions on attaching elastics to your braces’ hooks or other anchor points. It may feel challenging initially, but practice makes hooking easier. A mirror or a special hook tool can aid placement.
Consistent wear is important for treatment progress. Elastics lose elasticity after 8 to 12 hours, reducing effectiveness. Change them at least two to three times a day, or as instructed by your orthodontist. Many advise changing them after each meal and before bedtime for continuous, optimal force.
Proper hygiene is important. Wash hands before handling bands to prevent bacteria. Elastics should be removed for thorough brushing and flossing, and replace immediately afterward. Elastics are single-use; do not rinse or reuse them, as they lose tension or accumulate debris. Always keep a supply of fresh elastics in a clean, dry place.
Common Questions About Wearing Elastics
Initial discomfort or soreness in the teeth and jaws is common when first wearing elastics. This sensation typically subsides within days as the mouth adjusts. Over-the-counter pain relievers can help manage discomfort. If soreness persists beyond a week, contact your orthodontist.
If an elastic breaks or you run out, replace it promptly. Always carry extra elastics; they can snap unexpectedly. If you run out before your next appointment, contact your orthodontist’s office for more. If one elastic breaks, it is often recommended to replace both sides to ensure balanced force.
Compliance with prescribed elastic wear is important for successful treatment. Not wearing them consistently, or wearing them intermittently, can significantly prolong treatment time and may lead to unsatisfactory results. Doubling up on elastics or wearing them for longer than prescribed can apply excessive force, which can harm teeth and jaws or slow down tooth movement. The duration of elastic wear varies by individual case, but ranges from weeks to months, often continuing for 22-24 hours daily.
Initially, some may experience slight speech changes or difficulty eating. Remove elastics for meals unless instructed otherwise, preventing breakage or stretching. These minor adjustments typically improve quickly as the mouth adapts.