Your orthodontist will attach elastic bands, or “elastics,” to small hooks on the brackets of your braces. These bands apply a gentle, steady pull that helps move your teeth or shift your jaws so your bite fits together properly.
When Are Elastic Bands Used in Braces Treatment?
Your orthodontist may have you start wearing elastics for several reasons:
- If you have an overbite (your upper teeth sit too far forward).
- If you have an underbite (your lower teeth stick out too far).
- If your upper and lower teeth don’t line up correctly, like in a crossbite or open bite.
Using elastic bands is especially common during orthodontic treatment for teens, since growing jaws can respond particularly well to them.
What Types of Elastic Bands Are Used for Braces?
There are several types of elastics your orthodontist might use, depending on what your smile needs.
- Ligature Elastics: These are the small ties that hold the archwire to your brackets.
- Interarch Elastics: These connect your upper and lower jaws, usually from a bracket on top to one on the bottom, to help correct your bite or jaw alignment.
- Power Chains: These are a series of connected elastic rings that link multiple brackets together. They help close gaps between teeth or move several teeth at once.
- Spacers: You might wear these early in treatment to create a little space between your molars so orthodontic bands or other appliances can fit properly.
Why Are Elastics Important for Braces?
Elastics for braces might seem small, but they play a big role in your orthodontic progress for several reasons:
- Extra Force: Elastics add gentle pressure that braces alone can’t provide, helping fine-tune how your teeth and jaws move.
- Better Bite Alignment: They correct how your top and bottom teeth meet, which improves how you chew, speak, and smile.
- Faster Progress: They can speed up your treatment if you wear them exactly as directed.
- Healthier Results: They help ensure your final outcome isn’t just straight teeth but also a healthy, comfortable bite.
In short, elastics help take your treatment results from “good” to “great.” Whether you choose clear braces or metal braces, elastics play an essential role in creating a healthy smile.
How Long Should You Wear Your Elastic Bands?
Rubber bands for braces only work if you wear them consistently. You’ll usually need to keep them in for about 20 to 22 hours each day, even while you sleep. The total amount of time you’ll wear them depends on how much correction your bite needs. Some people wear them for a few months, while others need them longer.
Because elastics lose strength over time, you’ll need to replace them daily or as often as your orthodontist recommends. If you skip wearing them, your teeth will stop moving in the right direction, and your treatment will take longer.
What Is the Best Elastic Band Color for Braces?
Choosing elastic band colors for your braces lets you show off your personality. For a subtle look, many patients pair clear bands with clear braces.
If you’re wearing metal braces, you can experiment more with color since the silver brackets create a fun contrast with bright or bold elastics. Jewel tones such as turquoise or violet stand out beautifully on darker skin, while cooler shades like sky blue or silver tend to look really good on lighter complexions. In the end, the best color is the one that fits your style.
Elastic Bands on Braces Help You Achieve Your Best Smile
Elastic bands on braces do a lot of the fine-tuning that helps create your perfect smile. At Peterson Family Orthodontics, we know that even the smallest details can make a big difference in your treatment results. Our San Tan Valley orthodontics team takes pride in helping every patient understand how each part of their braces works together to bring out a confident, healthy smile.
If you’re ready to begin your own smile transformation, Dr. Peterson and his caring team combine expert orthodontic care with a fun, family-focused approach. Schedule your free orthodontic consultation today and take the first step toward discovering the confidence that comes with a smile made just for you.