Orthodontic rubber bands, also known as elastics, are specialized accessories used in braces treatment to correct the bite and guide the teeth into their final positions. They are stretched between attachment points, such as hooks on the upper and lower brackets, to apply a precise, continuous force to the jaw and teeth. These medical-grade bands generate the gentle, constant pressure necessary for biological tooth movement. Patients are instructed to wear these elastics for at least 20 hours a day for treatment effectiveness, with the main exception being when they are eating.
Protecting Orthodontic Effectiveness
The primary reason for removing elastics before eating is to protect the integrity of the corrective force they supply. Orthodontic movement relies on a light, constant pressure to remodel the bone around the teeth, a process highly sensitive to force consistency. The gentle, therapeutic forces applied by the elastics are measured in low Newton ranges to stimulate this biological change safely.
Chewing, or mastication, generates forces far exceeding the gentle levels required for tooth alignment. Routine chewing forces range from approximately 70 to 150 Newtons, while maximum bite force can reach up to 700 Newtons. This immense mechanical stress causes the elastics to overstretch rapidly, severely degrading their elasticity and accelerating force decay.
When subjected to extreme stretching, the bands lose their ability to recoil and apply the prescribed force. This results in inconsistent pressure application, which can slow down or even stall the desired tooth movement. A snapped or broken band is also a common outcome of eating with elastics, immediately interrupting the prescribed force vector. Failing to remove and replace elastics after a meal can significantly prolong the overall time spent in braces.
Hygiene Risks and Trapped Debris
Eating with elastics creates an oral environment that is a perfect host for bacteria and food residue. The small, taut loops of the rubber bands and the tiny hooks they connect to are highly effective at trapping food particles. Sticky or fibrous foods are especially prone to becoming lodged within the orthodontic hardware and the elastics themselves.
This trapped debris provides an ideal breeding ground for oral bacteria, which produce acids that attack tooth enamel. The prolonged presence of food and bacteria around the brackets can lead to plaque buildup and the potential for enamel decalcification. This can result in white spots on the tooth surface after the braces are removed.
Proper oral hygiene, including thorough brushing and flossing, becomes nearly impossible with the elastics in place. Removing the elastics before eating allows patients to thoroughly clean their teeth and appliance. The bands themselves should be discarded and replaced with new ones after every meal to maintain sanitary conditions.
Interference with Chewing and Safety
The physical presence and tension of the elastics directly interfere with the natural mechanics of the jaw and the process of chewing. The bands are often stretched across the arch to connect the upper and lower teeth, which physically restricts the jaw’s ability to open and move side-to-side. This restriction makes it difficult to fully grind and process food, leading to an uncomfortable and awkward chewing pattern.
Trying to force the jaw through a restricted range of motion can cause discomfort in the chewing muscles and the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). There is also a minor safety consideration related to accidental ingestion if a band snaps or comes loose during chewing.
If accidental ingestion occurs, the material is designed to safely pass through the digestive system without complication. Patients should remove the elastics before eating, clean their mouth, and then immediately place a fresh pair of elastics back onto the braces.