Braces alone can usually straighten the teeth, but to achieve a proper overjet and overbite, it is often necessary to wear elastics (rubber bands).  The way you wear the elastics depends on how the upper and lower teeth fit together (your bite).  At each visit, the doctor evaluates the amount of correction remaining to be accomplished and compares this with the remaining estimated treatment time.  It is often the amount of elastic wear (or lack of wear) that determines whether you finish your treatment on time or ahead of schedule.  Inadequate, inconsistent, or no wear may make it impossible to ever achieve the desired result.

The elastics should be worn 24 hours a day unless otherwise instructed.  The elastics should be removed to eat and brush only and should be replaced immediately.  They should not be left off for long periods of time or the teeth will begin to move backwards (the opposite of what we are trying to achieve).

The elastics should be changed 3-4 times daily.  After 6-8 hours they lose much of their elasticity and may snap or break easily.  Changing them often keeps them fresh and reduces breakage.

The elastics will make the teeth a little sore at first.  Tylenol or Advil is usually all that is necessary for the discomfort associated with elastic wear.  Do not remove the elastics when the teeth become sore, because this will only prolong the soreness.   Continuous light force is the key to progressing as rapidly as possible with elastics.  The more you wear them, the less they will hurt.

If you run out of elastics or lose them, we can mail them to you or you can stop by the office and pick up more immediately.  They are left taped to the front window for after hours pickup.

To hook the elastics, use your finger and allow the rubber band to roll onto the hook.  It may take a couple of days to get used to putting them on, but after that you’ll probably be able to hook them with your eyes closed.

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