What Are Orthodontic Rubber Bands (Elastics) and How Do They Work

Often times during orthodontic treatment, a patient will receive a bag of orthodontic elastics and is told to wear them whenever they are not eating. Today Dr. Updike discusses the purpose of these orthodontic rubber bands and how they work.

Braces and Aligners (such as Invisalign) are the most effective way to straighten and move teeth. However, these procedures cannot fix the relationship (or bite) between the top and bottom teeth. This is where elastics come in.

There are many options to enhance the overall bite such as headgear or surgery, but elastics are discreet and allow full range of motion to yawn or speak, while adjusting the bite as well. Depending on your treatment plan, your orthodontist may instruct you to connect the rubber bands to specific brackets in the mouth. There are also various sizes of rubber bands as well depending on the patient’s case.

Here is one example of how elastics can be worn to treat a certain type of problem.

In order for the elastics to be effective, the patient is recommended to wear the elastics most of the time except when eating or brushing the teeth. This allows constant pressure on the teeth to move in the proper direction and complete their orthodontic procedure in a consistent time.
Overall, elastics are a great tool to help you achieve your perfect smile if used properly and consistently. Using your elastics only part time will lengthen the amount of time you may be in treatment. If you have any additional questions regarding orthodontic treatment, please contact our office at (949) 870-9713 .