If you have braces or clear aligners, your orthodontist may ask you to wear orthodontic elastics (also called rubber bands). You might be wondering: Do I really need to wear them? What happens if I forget? And what should I do if I lose them?
The short answer is: yes, wearing your elastics as instructed is an important part of your orthodontic treatment.
Elastics apply gentle, controlled pressure to help move your teeth and jaws into the correct position. Wearing them consistently can help your treatment progress as planned.
What Are Orthodontic Elastics Used For?
Orthodontic elastics are small rubber bands that connect specific points on your braces or orthodontic appliances.
Unlike the wires and brackets that primarily help move individual teeth, elastics are often used to help correct your bite and the relationship between your upper and lower teeth.
Depending on your individual treatment plan, elastics may be used to help correct:
- Overbites
- Underbites
- Crossbites
- Jaw and bite discrepancies
- The alignment of the upper and lower teeth
- Other orthodontic bite problems
Your orthodontist will tell you exactly where your elastics should be attached and how often you should wear them.
Because every patient’s treatment is different, don’t copy someone else’s elastic configuration — your elastics are prescribed specifically for your teeth and bite.
How Should I Wear My Elastics?
The most important thing is to follow your orthodontist’s instructions carefully.
You may be asked to wear your elastics:
- Full-time
- Only during certain hours
- While sleeping
- During specific stages of your treatment
Always attach the elastic to the exact hooks or points shown to you by your orthodontic team.
If you’re unsure where an elastic should go, ask us before continuing. Wearing it in the wrong position can affect your treatment.
Consistency Is Key
If your orthodontist has instructed you to wear your elastics full-time, taking them out frequently or wearing them only occasionally can slow your progress.
Think of your elastics as part of your treatment — they only work when you wear them as prescribed.
What Happens If I Don’t Wear My Elastics?
This is one of the most common questions we hear.
Skipping your elastics occasionally may seem harmless, but inconsistent wear can make your treatment less predictable.
When you don’t wear your elastics as instructed:
1. Your teeth and bite may move more slowly
Elastics provide continuous or regular pressure to help guide your teeth and jaws. If you aren’t wearing them consistently, the intended forces aren’t being applied as planned.
2. Your treatment may take longer
If your bite isn’t progressing as expected, your orthodontist may need additional time to achieve the desired result.
Not wearing your elastics regularly can therefore potentially extend your overall treatment time.
3. Your treatment plan may need to be adjusted
Your orthodontist monitors your progress throughout treatment. If your teeth and bite aren’t responding as expected, your treatment plan may need to be modified.
4. You may experience setbacks
Orthodontic treatment works progressively. Consistently following your instructions helps keep your treatment moving in the right direction.
The good news? If you’ve missed wearing your elastics, don’t panic. Simply get back into your prescribed routine and speak to your orthodontist if you’re struggling to keep up.
What If My Elastics Hurt?
It is common to notice some mild pressure or tenderness when you first start wearing orthodontic elastics or when your elastic configuration changes.
This usually happens because the elastics are applying a new force to your teeth and bite.
However, if you experience significant pain, swelling, an injury or anything that concerns you, contact your orthodontic team for advice.
Never stop wearing prescribed elastics because of discomfort without speaking to your orthodontist first.
What Should I Do If I Lose My Elastics?
Don’t worry — lost elastics happen!
If you lose an elastic, replace it as soon as possible with a new one according to your orthodontist’s instructions.
You don’t need to wait until your next appointment.
Replacement elastics are available at reception, so simply pop in and collect more.
If you’re unsure which elastics you need or how to replace them, our team will be happy to assist you.
Should I Wear Two Elastics If I Forgot to Wear Them?
No — don’t double up unless your orthodontist specifically tells you to.
If you forgot to wear your elastics for a few hours or missed a period of wear, simply return to your normal prescribed schedule.
Wearing extra elastics does not necessarily make your treatment progress faster and can apply forces that your orthodontist did not prescribe.
How Can I Remember to Wear My Elastics?
If you’re struggling to remember, try making elastics part of your daily routine.
For example:
- Keep a spare packet in your bag.
- Set a reminder on your phone.
- Keep your elastics somewhere you’ll see them every day.
- Replace them at the times recommended by your orthodontist.
- Carry spare elastics with you when travelling.
- Keep an extra packet at home and another at work or school.
The more consistent your routine becomes, the easier wearing elastics will feel.
Your Elastics Are a Small Part of Your Treatment, But They Matter
Orthodontic treatment is a team effort between you and your orthodontic team.
Your orthodontist creates the treatment plan, but your daily habits play an important role in helping that plan work effectively.
Wearing your elastics as instructed can help your treatment progress as planned and may help you avoid unnecessary delays.
So, when you’re tempted to think, “I’ll just skip them today,” remember that those little rubber bands have an important job to do.
Lost Your Elastics?
Don’t stress.
Replacement orthodontic elastics are available at reception. Pop in and collect a new supply so you can get back on track with your treatment.
If you have questions about how, when or where to wear your elastics, speak to our orthodontic team — we’re here to help.
Keep wearing. Keep progressing. Keep smiling.
