What Do Elastic Bands Do for Braces?

So you’re undergoing orthodontic treatment, and the dentist has brought up that you’ll need to begin wearing rubber elastic bands as part of your treatment. 

You may be wondering if it’s really necessary? What is the point of these elastic bands? And whether or not they really assist in getting you that dream smile you’ve always wanted?

In this Fox Orthodontics article, we will break down exactly what elastic bands do for braces, how brace elastics work, how to wear elastic bands correctly, the benefits, as well as how long you’ll typically need to wear them for. 

Let’s get started and myth-bust any rumours surrounding orthodontic elastic bands. 

Why Elastic Bands Are Used With Braces: 

Elastic bands, also commonly referred to as orthodontic elastics, are used by dentists to apply additional, targeted force that braces alone cannot provide, ensuring that your bite moves to its ideal position. Instead of just straightening your individual teeth, braces work to align your bite, and have your overall oral structure in the best place possible.

Not everyone who wears braces will require elastics bands in their treatment, this usually comes down to the complexity of your individual case and the opinion of your orthodontist. 

So how exactly do orthodontic elastics work to help you make the most of your treatment?

How Elastics Bands Help Move Teeth:

There are five basic things that elastic bands do to help move your teeth into their desired positions. However, it is important to remember that to get the most out of your treatment you must follow the guide as set out by your orthodontist.

• Role 1 – Correcting Your Bite: While braces themselves will help to move teeth within each jaw. The role of elastics is to help connect both the upper and lower teeth to help correct overbites, underbites, and crossbites. Overall orthodontic elastics improve on the whole how the upper and lower jaw fit together. 
• Role 2 – Guiding Jaw Movement: When used correctly, orthodontic elastics help to gently move the jaws into a better position over the duration of your treatment. This is especially important during growth or the final bite adjustment. 
• Role 3 – Get Your Bite Functional: It is essential to have a properly aligned bite as it ensures that you distribute chewing force evenly during meals, reduces overall strain on the joints in your jaw, and improves your overall speech and oral comfort. 
• Role 4 – Set Up For Final Success: Elastic bands are almost like the finishing touches in your treatment. These bands are perfect for getting your teeth into the exact right positioning, ensuring that the bite is settled and correct before your braces are finally removed. 
• Role 5 – Can Speed Up Treatment: Your orthodontist will clearly lay out instructions surrounding how long and often your braces should be worn, and if you stay on schedule this can actually fasttrack your orthodontic treatment. However, if you do not folow the prescribed treatment plan you can cause setbacks in your oral progress. 

Types of Elastic Bands in Orthodontics: 

Orthodontic elastic bands in Australia are almost exclusively made from medical-grade latex. It is a heavily-researched material that is safe for human mouths. But those who are allergic to latex, there are several other options you can pick from as well.

There are a variety of different elastic bands you can choose from, and usually the specific type that is chosen for you is based on your specific oral circumstances. 

Different Size of Elastics:

• Option 1 – Class I Elastics: Are what is used for narrowing the gap between your teeth. These elastics run across either the upper first or second molar through to the upper cuspid hook. Sometimes this option isn’t used if someone’s bite is considered normal.
• Option 2 – Class II Elastics: This is the common choice for someone with an overjet, which is also known as ‘buck teeth’, where a patient’s teeth protude over the lower front teeth. These elastics work to retract the upper teeth while simultaneously pushing the lower teeth forward. 
• Option 3 – Class III Elastics: Is what is most commonly used for someone with an underbite. These elastics bands work by retracting the lower teeth, while at the same time moving the upper teeth forward. 

For each individual, the size and force provided by these elastic bands will be different, as they are either light, medium, or heavy. 

Before a choice is made, you will have an in-depth analysis done of your individual bite. With this information, your orthodontist will make an informed decision about which makes the most sense for you. 

How To Wear Elastic Bands Correctly

You will be given a detailed guide/plan from your orthodontist regarding how your elastic bands should be worn. How elastic bands should be worn depends entirely on the placement pattern that is used. These bands are hooked onto the designated metal loops, and must be worn between 20-22 hours daily to be effective. The only time during the day orthodontic bands should be removed is during eating and brushing. 

You should also change the elastics several times a day (every time you take them out they should be replaced) to ensure consistent pressure is being applied to your mouth. For most patients they will wear between 4-5 different sets of orthodontic elastics each day.

To put the elastic bands on each time it can be helpful to stand in front of a mirror so you can clearly see your teeth. Hold the elastic band between your thumb and pointer finger. You can then hook the orthodontic elastic on the mini hooks on your top teeth before pulling them down onto the bottom teeth. There are also several tools such plastic dental hooks that can be used. 

Common Issues Patients Experience With Elastics 

There are several different issues that may pop up for people when it comes to their experience with orthodontic braces. Below are some of the most common issues we’ve observed at Fox Orthdontics.

• Discomfort and Soreness: Do not worry if you feel some level of pain at work, or after changing the band to a higher pressure one. This is just a sign that the bands are working and that your teeth are moving. It will subside as your mouth adjusts. You can also use over-the-counter pain relievers, warm salt water rinse, or temporarily switch to soft-foods to counter any pain.
• Elastic Snapping: Orthodontic elastic bands can occasionally snap over time due to gradual wear and tear, excessive pulling force, or improper every day use. You should always carry spare elastics with you to replace any that may unexpectedly break. 
• Not Being Consistent: If you consistently forget to wear your elastic bands, it can confuse your teeth, slow down progress, or even counter any progress that has been made. Overall, the more consistent you are, the faster your treatment will be. Make it part of your daily routine. 
• Adjusting To Applying: At first it may be a bit confusing, or tricky to attach the bands to the small hooks on your braces. Using an aid tool such as a mirror can really help. 
• Allergies: Some people may not realise they’re allergic to latex until the bands have already been applied. Don’t fret though, there are plenty of latex-free orthodontic options. 
• Keeping Supplies High: With so many elastics being used each day, it can be easy to run out before you’ve even realised it’s an issue. You can always call up your dental practice and grab extra packets.

Benefits of Using Elastic Bands During Treatment

So, in a nutshell, what are the main benefits of using orthodontic elastics in your braces treatment. Here is a quick list that summarises all you need to know, and that we’ve previously discussed.

• Fantastic at correcting bite problems 
• Helps to align your upper and lower jaws
• Imrpoves your overall oral function and chewing efficiency 
• Strengthens your long-term oral stability
• Helps your teeth to meert evenly
• Reduces the overall stress on your jaw joints 
• Allows very precise tooth movement that braces alone cannot achieve 
• Can speed up your braces treatment 
• Sets your teeth into their perfect positioning 
• Prevents a variety of future dental problems 

Why Choose Fox Orthodontics?

Fox Orthodontics has been the go-to choice dental practice in Baulkham Hills for more than 35 years. Our family run practice is well-established, creating dream smiles is what we are passionate about, and leaving each and every one of patients as happy as possible.

We provide specialist orthodontic treatment, and get you hitting your dental goals with an individually tailored plan to solve any issues you may have. Our clinic is conveniently located in Baulkham Hills, and provide specialist orthodontics to Norwest, Hills District, Castle Hill, Parramatta, Kellyville, Blacktown, Orange & Bathurst. 

Get in touch today by clicking here or calling us on 02 5562 8312.