WHAT ARE ELASTICS?
Elastics are small rubber bands used to guide your teeth into the correct position and improve your bite by aligning how your upper and lower teeth fit together. They come in a variety of sizes, and are held on your braces with hooks. They work together with your braces to do what braces are unable to do on their own. Wearing them as shown by your orthodontist will help you achieve a better, faster result.
What To Expect
It may take a couple of days to get used to putting on your elastics. The more you get a chance to practice, the faster you’ll get at it. For the first week, your mouth may feel sore. If you experience discomfort, you could use whatever medication you would use for a headache or other mild soreness in your body. If worn inconsistently, your teeth can also get sore, so ensure to wear them for the prescribed number of hours in a day in order to receive the best, most comfortable, and fastest results.
Have any tips?
- Wear your elastics for the recommended number of hours every day
- Carry extra elastics with you
- Remove your elastics to eat and brush your teeth then put fresh ones on immediately
- Change your elastics regularly as they eventually lose their stretch, usually after each meal is a good time to replace them with new ones
- If you’re unable to wear them for any reason, to stay on track, contact your orthodontist instead of waiting for your next appointment to let them know