Did you seek orthodontic treatment because you want to improve the look of your smile? While orthodontic treatment will improve the look of your smile, it can also help correct your bite and can even improve the way your top and bottom jaws function together. Most people have heard of braces and understand what they do—straighten teeth—but do you know the purpose of elastics for braces?
Metal braces and clear aligners are just part of the puzzle when it comes to straightening your teeth and correcting your bite. Another major player in the orthodontic treatment game is elastics.
Elastics can be worn with metal or ceramic braces and can even be worn with clear aligners such as Invisalign.
What are orthodontic elastics?
Orthodontic elastics, more commonly known as “rubber bands,” are exactly that! These elastics look just like tiny rubber bands and are made of durable, medical-grade latex. Orthodontic elastics are worn on either side of the mouth and hook from the top canines onto the bottom molars. These elastics boost the power and speed of braces by keeping the archwire in place. Rubber bands help your orthodontist in correcting your bite and achieving proper alignment.
Why do orthodontists use elastics?
Rubber bands are crucial to the bite-fixing phase of your orthodontic treatment. These little elastics exert consistent, gentle pressure to help move your top or bottom jaw into place. The rubber bands act as an additional force to help shift teeth into their desired spot more efficiently.
Your orthodontic treatment plan may require elastics if you have any of the following bite irregularities:
- Underbite
- Overbite
- Overjet
- Crossbite
- Open bite
Open bite treatment may require a different positioning of the elastic bands over the braces brackets.
Orthodontic elastics come in many lengths and thicknesses. Your orthodontist will pair the perfect length and thickness with your braces treatment, depending on your orthodontic needs and your treatment plan.
How often should I change my elastics?
Your orthodontic elastics will begin to lose their elasticity throughout the day, just like hair elastics. Therefore, they should be switched out for new ones three to four times in 24 hours.
If you do not change your rubber elastics often enough, it could impede the success of your treatment. Stretched-out elastics may feel more comfortable, but once they are too loose, they stop working efficiently. Make sure to change your elastics multiple times a day so your teeth will keep moving on schedule.
When should I take my elastics out?
For orthodontic elastics to be effective in correcting your bite, they should be worn 24/7. The only time you should take your elastics out is to eat, brush, floss, and to replace them with new rubber bands. You can even wear your elastics in your sleep!
They might feel a little uncomfortable at first, but once you get used to your elastics, you will hardly notice them.
At Platte River Orthodontics, Dr. Chad B “SnaggleTooth” Carter is an expert in utilizing every tool available, including elastics, to perfect your bite and smile. Whether you have our advanced KLOwen customized braces or another orthodontic appliance, we will create a comprehensive treatment plan to help you achieve the smile of your dreams!
Want to learn more about how elastics can enhance your orthodontic treatment? Contact Platte River Orthodontics in Gretna, NE, today to schedule your complimentary consultation. Bring all of your questions about braces and elastics; we look forward to helping you on your journey to a healthier, more confident smile. Call us at 402-322-8838.