What Purpose Do Elastics (Rubber Bands) Have for Braces?

Braces are an effective solution for a range of dental and jaw issues. They operate by applying controlled pressure to gradually reposition your teeth and jaw.

This pressure is delivered via an archwire that threads through brackets bonded to the fronts of your teeth.

If you’re wearing braces, you might be instructed to use rubber bands at some stage of your treatment. These elastics supply extra tension to targeted regions.

Below, we’ll explain what rubber bands accomplish, when they might be needed, and other important details.

What do rubber bands do for braces?

Rubber bands are used to intensify the force applied to specific parts of your mouth. You may also hear them called elastics.

Elastics attach to the brackets on your braces and can be arranged in numerous configurations. They are hooked onto small metal projections on the brackets.

Rubber bands serve several purposes. They are commonly used to correct different types of jaw misalignment, including:

• overbite
• underbite
• open bite
• crossbite

They can also aid with spacing issues between teeth or repositioning individual teeth, for example helping to straighten a tooth that is tilted backward.

Types of elastics in braces

The rubber bands used with braces vary and can be classified in a few ways.

Force

Elastics are categorized by the amount of force they produce. Broadly, there are three force levels:

• light
• medium
• heavy

Force is expressed in ounces (oz) or grams (g). The precise force for each category can differ.

Size

Rubber bands are available in various sizes. Size refers to their diameter, usually given in fractions of an inch.

The size chosen depends on how far the elastic must stretch to function effectively.

Material

Elastics can be made from latex or synthetic materials. Latex bands are common because they’re very flexible and low-cost. Synthetic elastics are an option for those with latex sensitivities.

Some studies indicate that latex elastics may maintain a steadier force over time compared with synthetic ones. For instance, a study comparing participants wearing both types found latex bands to be more consistent over a 24-hour period.

Use

Rubber bands are also grouped by their intended function. Typical uses include:

• Class I: Placed horizontally, joining brackets within the same jaw. They can help close gaps between teeth.
• Class II: Link upper teeth to lower molars. They’re used to address excessive overjet, commonly called an overbite — the horizontal distance between the upper and lower front teeth when biting.
• Class III: Connect lower teeth to upper molars. They can be employed to correct an underbite.
• Vertical: Join an upper tooth to the corresponding lower tooth. They are useful for correcting an open bite.
• Cross: Run between upper and lower teeth, often crossing in front. These are intended to correct a crossbite.

When do you start wearing rubber bands for braces?

The timing for beginning elastics varies based on your individualized treatment plan. Some patients start using them after a few adjustments, while others begin closer to the final stages of treatment.

Not every person with braces will require rubber bands. Your orthodontist will tell you if they are part of your specific plan.

How long do orthodontic rubber bands stay on your braces?

Elastics gradually lose elasticity, which reduces the force they apply to your teeth and jaw.

For that reason, rubber bands need frequent replacement, often several times per day. Your orthodontist will advise you on when and how often to change them.

The overall duration you’ll wear elastics depends on your treatment goals. Some individuals need them for only a few weeks; others for several months.

Can you eat with rubber bands on your braces?

In general, many people wear their elastics nearly all the time, though some only need them during sleep.

You may remove rubber bands briefly for eating if their placement makes chewing awkward. They can also usually be taken off temporarily for brushing and flossing.

Always confirm with your orthodontist when it’s acceptable to remove your elastics.

Are there any side effects?

If elastics are part of your plan, be aware of these potential side effects:

• Discomfort: Because elastics add extra pressure, you may feel soreness when first using them. Over-the-counter pain relievers can help relieve this.
• Allergic reaction: Some bands contain latex, which can cause allergic responses. Synthetic alternatives exist, so notify your orthodontist if you have a latex allergy.
• Breakage: Elastics can occasionally snap while being worn.

Caring for your teeth while wearing braces with rubber bands

Proper care is important when you have braces with elastics. Guidelines include:

• Follow your orthodontist’s directions: Place elastics exactly as instructed to help ensure treatment progresses correctly.
• Never double up: Stacking elastics can create excessive force and may harm your teeth.
• Keep spares handy: Elastics need frequent replacement and can break, so carry extra packs with you.
• Brush after meals: Food can lodge around your braces and lead to plaque build-up. Use a soft-bristled brush to gently clean after eating.
• Floss: Flossing removes trapped food between teeth that brushing may miss. Your orthodontist can provide a threading tool to help floss with braces.
• Avoid certain foods: Sticky, hard, or crunchy foods can damage your braces.

What to do if the elastics come off

Elastics can slip off or break, but you can replace them yourself without an orthodontic visit in most cases.

If one comes loose or snaps, put on a fresh elastic as soon as you can to keep your treatment on track.

It’s wise to carry a pack of elastics so you can immediately swap a broken or lost one.

Alternatives to braces with elastics

Sometimes rubber bands aren’t used in a treatment plan. There are other devices an orthodontist might choose instead.

Keep in mind that treatment is individualized. Whether elastics are appropriate depends on your unique needs.

Here are some common alternatives.

Power chains

The archwire is held to brackets by small metal ties or elastic ligatures — usually one per bracket.

Power chains are a series of connected elastic links that replace individual ligatures to apply greater continuous force in a targeted area.

They’re frequently used to close gaps after extractions, adjust spacing, and change tooth angulation.

Headgear

Headgear may be prescribed when braces alone don’t deliver enough force. It applies pressure from outside the mouth.

Wires attach to metal bands around the molars and extend along the sides of the face, fastening to a strap at the back of the head.

Because headgear must often be worn for several hours, orthodontists commonly recommend nighttime wear.

Temporary anchorage devices (TADs) and appliances

In this approach, tiny screws are inserted into the jawbone to anchor the braces and apply focused force. These screws are removed at the end of treatment. An elastic or spring can be connected from the screw to produce movements similar to those achieved with elastics.

Other devices that anchor to the jaw include:

• FORSUS
• PowerScope
• Herbst
• Springs

Takeaway

Rubber bands, or elastics, are used with braces to provide extra force to particular areas of the mouth. They’re commonly employed to correct jaw misalignment, though they have other uses as well.

Elastics vary in size, strength, and material, and can be arranged in many configurations according to the treatment plan.

Not every patient will need elastics; alternatives are available and chosen based on individual needs.

If elastics are part of your orthodontic care, follow your orthodontist’s instructions carefully to help ensure your treatment proceeds as intended.