What are elastics or rubber bands for?

Elastics, also called rubber bands, are small removable bands used during orthodontic treatment to help correct the bite. Braces or Invisalign can align the teeth, but elastics often provide the extra force needed to improve how the upper and lower teeth fit together.

Elastics may be used to help correct overbites, underbites, open bites, crossbites, midline discrepancies, bite asymmetries, and certain finishing details. They can be used with braces or with Invisalign, depending on the treatment plan.

The pattern of elastic wear is very specific. One patient may be asked to wear elastics from the upper front teeth to the lower back teeth. Another may wear them in a triangle pattern. Another may wear them only at night. These patterns are not random. Each one creates a different direction of force.

Consistency is the most important part of elastic wear. Wearing elastics only sometimes is usually not enough. If elastics are prescribed for full-time wear but are only worn occasionally, the bite may not correct properly and treatment may take longer.

It is common for teeth to feel sore when elastics are first started. This usually improves after a few days of consistent wear. Learn more about how braces feel.

Patients should change elastics as instructed because rubber bands lose strength over time. If elastics run out, the office should be contacted so more can be provided.

At Orthodontics on Queen in The Beaches, Toronto, elastics are explained carefully because they often play a major role in the final bite. They may be small, but they can make a significant difference in the quality and stability of the orthodontic result.