Elastics - also known as orthodontic rubber bands - play a crucial role in helping your braces do their job. These small but powerful bands apply continuous pressure, guiding your teeth and jaws into their ideal alignment. When worn as instructed, elastics significantly improve bite correction and ensure your orthodontic treatment progresses on schedule.
To get the best results, you must wear your elastics exactly as directed by your orthodontist. This means wearing them full-time, including while you sleep. The only times they should be removed are when you're brushing your teeth or eating.
A handy tip: wrap your elastics around your little finger during meals as a reminder to put them back in immediately afterward.
Elastics can occasionally snap or be swallowed - this is nothing to worry about. Simply replace them with a new one straight away. As a general rule, you should start each day with a fresh elastic after brushing your teeth in the morning.
If you lose your packet or run out of elastics, don’t wait until your next appointment. Contact our reception team and we’ll happily arrange a new supply - either for pick-up or postage.
Wearing your elastics as instructed is one of the most important parts of your treatment. Skipping or delaying wear can result in unwanted tooth movement and slow down your progress.
Stick with it, and you’ll be smiling at the results in no time!
