Commonly, a patient is required to wear orthodontic elastics at some point during their orthodontic treatment. Elastics worn in conjunction with braces are an important part of successful orthodontic results.
What Is An Orthodontic Elastics?
Orthodontic elastics, also known as rubber bands are used to correct a misalignment of the jaw and teeth. When a patient’s upper and lower teeth do not fit comfortably or correctly, elastics are recommended to help properly position the teeth and jaw. Using a gentle and consistent force, the elastics guide one’s upper and lower jaw into proper alignment. Elastics are also capable of speeding up the process of aligning teeth.
How Orthodontic Elastics Work?
Brackets with hooks are placed on specific teeth to accommodate the elastics. In most cases, a rubber band is looped around the hooks on the brackets, connecting the top and bottom teeth together. Where the elastics are placed and the angle of the band depends on the type and severity of the malocclusion.
How Long Does Rubber Band Need To Be Used?
How long you need to use Rubber Band depends on your bite and the amount of correction needed for your teeth. May vary from 1 month to 8 months. During the time you wear your Rubber Band, it is important to wear them 24 hours a day, unless your dentist instructs otherwise.
The only items you can remove your rubber bands are:
• To brush
• To eat
• To replace old rubber bands with new ones
The staff at York Orthodontics will provide you with instructions on how and where to place the elastics in your mouth.
 This may be difficult at first however, after a few days you will be able to place them in your mouth without even looking. The Orthodontic Elastics will lose elasticity after a few hours. Therefore, we recommend changing your elastics multiple times a day. If you run out of your elastics, just let a staff member know during your next appointment and we will gladly provide you with more.
It Is Better To Know …
Patient cooperation in the use of elastics is very important and necessary. If rubber bands are not always used according to the instructions, the desired treatment results will not be achieved and will prolong the orthodontic treatment schedule.
