How Long to Wear Rubber Bands for Braces

One of the most common questions we receive from our patients revolves around the use of orthodontic elastics, also known as rubber bands with braces. If you’re currently undergoing orthodontic treatment or are considering braces in the near future, you may be wondering about the necessary amount of time you’ll need to wear rubber bands with your braces.

In this blog, we’ll discuss everything you need to know about elastic bands for braces. For an orthodontic treatment plan or consultation, reach out to The Orthodontic Place.

What Are Orthodontic Rubber Bands?

Orthodontic rubber bands, also known as elastics, are tiny elastics made from medical-grade latex. They are a necessary part of orthodontic treatment for most people with braces. Latex rubber bands are commonly used due to their flexibility, however, synthetic bands are available for people with latex allergies.

The primary purpose of orthodontic rubber bands is to help correct alignment issues that braces alone may not address effectively. This is done by gently applying pressure towards specific teeth in order to force the teeth to move together.

Rubber bands come in a variety of colours and sizes to suit individual needs and preferences and are recommended for a number of reasons:

  • Helps Misaligned Teeth: Rubber bands are attached to different tiny hooks on your braces, connecting the upper and lower arches of teeth. The rubber bands pull and this creates more pressure that gently moves the teeth into their correct positions over time.
  • Bite Adjustments: Rubber bands are essential for correcting bite problems. They apply pressure to specific teeth and jaw positions to move the teeth into their proper alignment. This can help to fix overbites, underbites, crossbites, and other bite irregularities.
  • Progress Braces Tracking: Orthodontists check how your braces treatment is going and may change how the rubber bands are attached as your teeth move into place.

You may need to wear rubber bands on your braces all day, every day, while others may only need to wear them at night or for a few hours each day. Not wearing rubber bands as prescribed by your orthodontist can lengthen treatment and reduce progress. If there is too much pressure of pain consult with your orthodontist for pain reduction methods.

When Do I Need to Change My Braces Rubber Bands?

Changing elastics constantly, typically on a daily basis, is a common recommendation in orthodontic treatment to maintain the consistent force and steady pressure needed on upper teeth for effective tooth movement.

Remember that the consistency and accuracy of wearing elastics as specified by your orthodontist are required for successful treatment.

If you ever have questions or concerns about when and how often to change your rubber band elastics, don’t hesitate to reach out to our Orthodontist at The Orthodontic Place for clarification and guidance.

How Long Do I Need to Be Wearing Braces Rubber Bands For?

The duration for which you need to wear rubber bands with braces can vary widely from person to person and depends on your specific orthodontic treatment plan, regardless they should be worn consistently.

The goal of wearing rubber bands is to apply specific additional pressure to move teeth into their desired positions and achieve proper bite alignment.

When Should Rubber Bands Be Added to Braces Treatment?

When you should start wearing rubber bands for braces depends on your individual treatment plan. Some people may need to start wearing rubber bands as soon as their braces are put on, while others may not need them until later in treatment. Upper and lower brackets work with braces elastics by providing hooks for the elastics to attach to.

The orthodontist will determine which hooks to use for the elastics, depending on the type of bite problem or spacing issue that is being corrected. Your orthodontist will assess your progress and determine the best time to add rubber bands to your treatment plan.

Types of Rubber Band Elastics

Traditional braces can use many different types of rubber band elastics for braces, and the type that you need will depend on your individual treatment plan in order to get your front teeth or bottom teeth in the correct position. These could include vertical elastics or class iii elastics.

However, the most common elastics are interarch elastics, also known as intermaxillary elastics or Class II Elastics.

These elastics are worn between the front upper jaw and lower arches of teeth, and they are used to correct a variety of bite problems, including overbites, underbites, and crossbites.

Find Your Perfect Smile with The Orthodontic Place

Whether you need your old elastics replaced with new elastics or you finally want both your top and bottom teeth to align and are interested in getting braces, then contact The Orthodontic Place today for a customised treatment plan from our experienced orthodontists.