Rubber Bands with Braces: Don’t Forget to Wear Your Elastics!

What Rubber Bands Do

Orthodontists use rubber bands, also known as elastics, on patients in treatment to correct bite and misalignment issues. Orthodontists correct underbites, overbites, crossbites, and midline misalignment through the use of rubber bands during orthodontic treatment. There are also different sizes and thicknesses of the rubber bands for braces your orthodontist provides you, each providing various levels of force to your teeth.

“What happens if I don’t wear my rubber bands?”

If your orthodontist has directed you to wear rubber bands, you may wonder if wearing them is essential. The quick answer is yes! Failure to do so could lead to prolonged treatment time or a less than ideal result. Wearing your elastics correctly is vital to ensure you finish with a great smile that will last a lifetime.

Rubber Bands with Invisalign

Good news! Like traditional metal braces, you can also use rubber bands with Invisalign. This means that many patients can still get an excellent bite without having to go through braces treatment.  Small hooks can be added to clear aligners and/or small buttons can be glued directly to teeth to help secure the rubber bands.  Patients will still need to wear these elastics throughout the day and night to see the great improvements to their bite.

Tips for Wearing Rubber Rands

1. Make sure you are placing them the correct way with the correct size rubber band
2. Always keep a pack of elastics handy
3. Only remove rubber bands to brush, floss, or eat
4. Have reminders to put your rubber bands in
5. Be sure to wear a new set 2-3 times each day