What do rubber bands do for braces?

What rubber bands do for braces

The American Association of Orthodontists says orthodontic elastics are small rubber bands that work with braces or aligners to apply extra force that braces alone cannot, to help move teeth and correct stubborn bite problems and misalignments. Healthline says they attach to bracket hooks and add force to specific areas, helping correct misaligned jaws, close or adjust spacing, and reposition teeth such as a backward-leaning tooth. Your orthodontist chooses the design and where they connect for your bite.

Which bite problems elastics help with

Healthline names overbite, underbite, open bite and crossbite, and describes how elastics are classified by use: Class I bands close spaces, Class II bands correct an overbite, Class III bands correct an underbite, vertical elastics address an open bite and cross elastics address a crossbite. For an overbite, Class II bands connect upper teeth to lower molars, and for an underbite Class III bands connect lower teeth to upper molars. The AAO says elastics can connect upper and lower teeth or teeth within the same jaw.

How to wear them

The AAO's advice is to wear them as prescribed and not use more than your orthodontist specifies. Wash your hands before putting elastics in or taking them out, take them out for eating and brushing and put fresh ones on afterward, and do not remove them to ease soreness, because some discomfort at first is normal and should fade as your mouth adjusts. Healthline says many people wear them nearly all the time, some only at night, and that you can usually remove them to eat, brush and floss but should check with your orthodontist first.

How often to change them

The AAO says to replace them daily, or as often as your orthodontist recommends, because they lose elasticity with age, and to treat them as single-use without rinsing or washing them. Healthline says bands lose elasticity and need frequent replacement, often several times a day, on the schedule your orthodontist sets. The two differ, so follow your orthodontist's schedule. Store them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, since heat weakens them, and carry spares.

Do not double up

Both the AAO and Healthline say never to double up bands. The AAO says doubling up will not speed alignment and may cause discomfort or harm your teeth and jaws. Healthline also warns strongly against DIY orthodontics, citing case studies where unsupervised band use led to tooth loss and oral surgery.

If they break or you lose them

The AAO says to carry spares and contact your orthodontist's office right away rather than waiting for your next appointment, because consistent wear keeps treatment on schedule and a brief gap can affect progress. Healthline says to replace the band as soon as possible without needing a visit, so treatment stays on track. Either way, do not leave it out for days.

Does it hurt, and latex allergies

Healthline says added pressure can cause temporary discomfort at first, which over-the-counter pain relievers can ease. Our guide on braces pain covers the disagreement about ibuprofen. The AAO says elastics can contain latex, so tell your orthodontist if you are sensitive, and Healthline says synthetic bands are used for latex allergies.

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?

Frequently asked questions