Orthodontic elastics, commonly known as rubber bands for braces, are specialized loops that work with braces to apply continuous, targeted force that the archwire alone cannot achieve. They are primarily used to correct bite issues, such as overbites, underbites, and crossbites, by guiding the upper and lower jaws and teeth into proper alignment. The bands are stretched between tiny hooks on the brackets in specific patterns prescribed by an orthodontist. Consistent use of these elastics is necessary for maintaining the treatment timeline and ensuring the teeth move efficiently toward their final positions.
Obtaining Replacements Directly from Your Provider
The orthodontist’s office is the only reliable source for replacement rubber bands because these bands are highly customized to your treatment. Orthodontic elastics are prescribed based on two specific measurements: diameter (size) and force (tension). The diameter, typically measured in fractions of an inch (e.g., 1/8″, 3/16″, or 1/4″), determines how far the band must stretch to connect the hooks.
The force is precisely calibrated, often categorized as light, medium, or heavy. This precise force is selected to move teeth effectively without causing damage to the surrounding root structure. Your provider stocks the exact combination of size and force needed for your current phase of treatment, which is often identified by a specific animal name or color coding on the bag.
When you run low on your supply, call your orthodontist’s office for a new bag. Many offices provide replacement bags of elastics free of charge between appointments to encourage compliance and prevent interruptions in treatment. It is a good practice to ask for extra packets during your regular appointments to keep a supply in multiple locations, such as your backpack, purse, or car.
Scenarios Requiring Emergency Supply
Patients may run out of elastics unexpectedly, such as during travel or on a weekend when the office is closed. In these instances, the first step is to contact your orthodontist, even if outside regular business hours. Most orthodontic practices have an emergency or after-hours line for patients to receive guidance when they cannot wait until the next business day.
If you are traveling far from home, you may need to seek a temporary solution from a local practitioner. When contacting an unfamiliar orthodontic office, you must be able to specify the exact prescription for your rubber bands. This precise information includes the diameter and the force level so the local office can provide an identical substitute.
Some providers may offer to mail a small emergency supply overnight. Having a small, pre-packed orthodontic emergency kit while traveling, which includes extra elastics, can prevent this kind of disruption. The goal in any emergency is to maintain the consistent application of force to avoid slowing down your treatment progress.
Why Non-Orthodontic Bands Should Be Avoided
Using generic rubber bands from a drug or craft store is discouraged, as these products are not designed for medical use in the mouth. Orthodontic elastics are manufactured to medical-grade standards, often from latex or a specific latex-free material for patients with allergies. Non-medical grade materials can contain unknown compounds that pose a risk of allergic reaction or irritation inside the mouth.
A major risk involves the lack of precise force calibration in generic bands. Standard rubber bands do not have the measured tension necessary for controlled tooth movement, meaning the force they apply is unpredictable. Applying too much force with an uncalibrated band can damage the teeth, harm the tooth roots, or even cause the teeth to move in unintended ways. This unintended movement can halt or reverse treatment progress. Non-orthodontic bands can also lose their elasticity quickly or break easily, becoming ineffective or presenting a choking hazard.