Braces rubber bands (elastics) guide

What elastics are for

The American Association of Orthodontists says elastics are small rubber bands that work with braces or aligners to apply extra force that braces alone cannot, to move teeth and correct stubborn bite problems. Healthline adds that they help correct misaligned jaws, close or adjust spacing and reposition individual teeth. See our guide on what rubber bands do for braces for the main explanation.

Types of elastics

Healthline says bands vary by force (light, medium or heavy), size (diameter) and material (latex or synthetic), and are classified by use: Class I for closing spaces, Class II for overbite, Class III for underbite, vertical for open bite and cross for crossbite. The AAO's glossary distinguishes elastics, which are rubber bands worn during certain stages of treatment to move individual teeth or align the jaws, from power chains and ligatures that hold the wire in the brackets.

When do you start wearing rubber bands?

It depends on the plan. Healthline says some patients start after a few adjustments, others near the end of treatment, and some do not use them at all. Your orthodontist decides based on your bite and how your teeth are moving, so ask at your adjustment visits whether elastics are likely.

Why wear them, and how long

Healthline says some patients need elastics for a few weeks and others for months, depending on the plan. The AAO says consistent wear keeps treatment on schedule and a brief gap can affect progress. If you do not wear them as prescribed, treatment may take longer.

How to put elastics on

The AAO says to wash your hands before putting elastics in or taking them out, and to use fresh elastics each time. Your orthodontist or their team will show you which hooks to use, and the pattern depends on your treatment. Healthline says to follow your orthodontist's placement instructions. Do not double up bands.

Cleaning and eating with elastics

The AAO says to take elastics out for eating and brushing and put fresh ones on afterward. Brush and floss as your orthodontist showed you, rinse with water if you cannot brush after eating, and avoid hard, sticky and chewy foods that can break brackets or hooks. Our guides on caring for braces and on eating popcorn with braces cover the food rules in detail.

If an elastic stretches out between changes, or you find one in your mouth that has snapped, replace it with a fresh one rather than reusing it.

How to wear rubber bands for an overbite

Healthline describes Class II elastics for an overbite as connecting upper teeth to lower molars. The exact hooks, force and wear time are set by your orthodontist, so follow the instructions you were given and ask if you are unsure. Our guide on rubber bands explains Class III elastics for an underbite and the other types.

Do elastics hurt?

Healthline says added pressure can cause temporary discomfort at first and over-the-counter pain relievers can ease it, and the AAO says some discomfort at first is normal and should fade, and not to remove them to ease soreness. Cleveland Clinic advises acetaminophen rather than ibuprofen for braces pain, which differs from some other sources, so ask your orthodontist.

Latex allergy and DIY warnings

The AAO says elastics can contain latex, so tell your orthodontist if you are sensitive, and many offer latex-free alternatives. Healthline strongly warns against DIY orthodontics, citing case reports of tooth loss and oral surgery after unsupervised band use.

Questions to ask your orthodontist

A few questions at your next adjustment make elastics easier to manage and help you avoid delays.

• Which hooks do I attach them to, and how should it look in the mirror?
• How many hours a day do I wear them, and do I take them out to eat?
• How often should I change them, and how many spare bags will I need?
• What should I do if I run out, they break, or I cannot wear them for a day or two?
• Is there a latex-free option if I am sensitive?

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Frequently asked questions