Wearing Elastics (Rubber Bands) with Braces: How Long and How Often

Elastics, or rubber bands, are a small part of braces that make a big difference in your results. Here is why they matter and exactly how to wear them.

Why Do I Have to Wear Elastics?

Elastics move teeth in directions braces cannot manage alone. They bring your bite together so you can chew more effectively, and they help with the final look of your smile.

How Long Do You Wear Elastics for Braces Each Day?

For elastics to work, they need to be worn 24/7 unless we tell you otherwise. Take them out only to brush, floss, eat and put in new elastics.

• Every morning, throw away the previous day’s elastics and put in fresh ones from the packet we gave you.
• If you play sports, keep your elastics in unless you need to wear a mouthguard. Put them back in as soon as the mouthguard comes out.
• Never double up on elastics unless we instruct you to, even if you missed a day. It can seem logical, but it actually slows tooth movement.

Do You Sleep with Rubber Bands on Your Braces?

Yes. Unless we have told you otherwise, wear fresh elastics while you sleep. Nighttime is an important part of the 24/7 wear that moves teeth.

What Do Elastics Feel Like?

Teeth and jaws may feel tender for the first few days. This is normal and should ease within about a week, but keep wearing your elastics full time even while you are sore. Warm salt water rinses soothe most aching. If tenderness lasts longer, call our office.

What Happens If I Don’t Wear My Elastics?

Skipping elastics or wearing them only part time makes treatment take longer and makes the best result harder to reach. Part-time wear also keeps teeth constantly sore, because they never get used to the pressure. Wearing elastics for a few hours, taking them off, then putting them back on can actually make teeth resist moving in the right direction.

Don’t Be Afraid to Ask

Elastics can be confusing at first. Hooking them in the wrong place can be worse than not wearing them, because teeth may move the wrong way. Before you leave the office, we will make sure you know exactly where and how to place them. If you ever have questions, call, email or stop by.

See also: how long braces take.