Inter-arch elastics are small rubber bands worn with braces to correct bite alignment issues like overbites and underbites. These elastics stretch between the upper and lower dental arches, applying targeted forces. Losing a band is a common occurrence, and while rarely an immediate emergency, it requires prompt attention to keep treatment on track. In most cases, you can quickly address the issue yourself.
Immediate Reinsertion Steps
When an inter-arch elastic detaches, immediately replace it using a new band from your supply. Do not reuse a stretched or worn band, as elastics quickly lose the necessary elasticity and strength. Always use a fresh band to ensure the correct biomechanical force is applied.
To reinsert the band, thoroughly wash your hands and use a mirror to see the hooks or brackets. Carefully loop the new elastic over the designated anchor points, which may be small metal hooks or specialized brackets. If the original band broke or is missing, use a replacement from the packets provided by your orthodontist, ensuring it is the correct size and type. You should also check the area for any irritation caused by the detached band rubbing against the cheek or gum tissue.
When to Contact Your Orthodontist
While replacing a missing elastic is a simple fix, certain scenarios require professional attention. Contact your orthodontist if the anchoring hardware is damaged, such as a broken hook or a loose bracket. Trying to attach a band to broken hardware can damage the appliance or injure soft tissues.
If you run out of the specific size or type of rubber bands prescribed, contact your orthodontist immediately for replacements; do not substitute them with a different size or brand. Also, call the office if the main archwire is broken, has popped out of a back bracket, or is poking into your cheek. When calling, describe the exact location of the broken component and the type of band you were wearing. This helps staff determine the urgency and length of the repair appointment.
Why Consistent Wear is Critical
Orthodontic movement depends entirely on the application of constant, gentle pressure, which facilitates the remodeling of bone and ligaments. Inter-arch elastics are typically prescribed for near-full-time wear (20 to 24 hours per day) because this consistency is necessary for the desired biological response. The force guides the jaw and teeth into alignment, and this process stops when the force is removed.
Leaving elastics off for an extended period, even a few hours, allows teeth to move back toward their original position. This process, known as relapse, can undo weeks of progress and add extra months to the overall treatment time. Promptly replacing a lost elastic maintains the continuous force required for efficient bite correction. Failure to wear the bands as directed can result in an incomplete correction that compromises the final stability and function.