What’s the purpose of those elastic bands on your braces?

When you wear braces, your orthodontist may ask you to use elastic bands on your braces. These small rubber rings may look unimportant, but they play a crucial role in your treatment. The elastics that connect your upper and lower jaws on both sides are essential for achieving a great final result.

# What do elastic bands for braces actually do?

Braces straighten your teeth, but to also correct the position of your upper and lower jaws in relation to each other, extra force is needed. That’s where elastic bands for braces come in.

• Balancing upper and lower teeth: elastics make sure your bite fits together properly when chewing.
• Correcting your bite: they can help fix an underbite or crossbite.
• Speeding up treatment: by wearing elastics, the force of your braces is used to its fullest potential, often shortening treatment time.

In short: without elastic bands, braces could straighten your teeth, but there’s a big chance your bite wouldn’t close correctly.

# How do elastics for braces work?

Elastics apply a constant, gentle pressure on your jaws and teeth. The principle is similar to braces themselves, but the elastics specifically focus on jaw alignment.

Because elastics are relatively thin, they lose tension while being worn. That’s why it’s important to replace them every day and wear them as much as possible, unless your orthodontist advises otherwise ;)

# Why discipline matters

The success of elastics braces completely depends on your commitment. Wearing them may feel uncomfortable at first, but if you don’t wear them consistently…

• Your treatment will take longer.
• The result will be less satisfying.
• Your bite may not be corrected properly.

Your orthodontist will always give you clear instructions on how to attach the elastics to your braces and when to wear them.

# Tips for wearing elastic bands braces

• Follow your orthodontist’s instructions carefully – you may need to wear them day and night or only at night, depending on your case.
• Replace them once a day, but not more often. Fresh elastics are tight, and too much force can cause unwanted effects.
• Ideally, keep them in while eating. You can remove them if chewing feels easier, but don’t forget to put them back right after.
• Remove them before brushing your teeth and put them back afterwards.
• To remember daily replacement, change them every evening after brushing your teeth.
• Always carry a small bag with spare elastics in case one breaks.

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Elastic bands for braces may be small, but they are an extremely important part of your orthodontic treatment. They make sure not only that your teeth are straight, but also that your jaws align properly. By wearing elastics exactly as prescribed by your orthodontist, you significantly increase the chance of a perfect final result.

Out of elastics? That’s easily solved – check here to see what to do!

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