What Purpose Do Elastics Have for Braces?

At Pedodontics, P.C., we take pride in being a top pediatric dentist in Omaha, NE providing high-quality general pediatric dentistry and orthodontic care to children across the region. In addition to our exceptional treatment practices, we also take the time to ensure that every aspect of the treatment process is understood and you are supported in taking care of the treatment tasks you must perform on your own. A perfect example of this is when you must wear elastics with your braces during orthodontic treatment.

Why Is Wearing Elastics Important?

Elastics, or rubber bands, are used in the bite-fixing phase of wearing braces to align your bite and improve how your upper and lower teeth fit together. The proper alignment of your bite determines when your braces are ready to come off and can be the most challenging part of the treatment process. Failure to wear your elastics as instructed can make your treatment time longer and more difficult.
Full cooperation and commitment to wearing your elastics for the recommended length of time will result in the best possible orthodontic outcome. Before you leave the office, you will receive detailed instructions on the proper way to put in elastics for braces and what teeth they need to be attached to. They must be placed correctly to ensure that they are aligning your teeth in the right direction.

Top Tips For Elastics Use

• Elastics should be worn constantly throughout the day, including while eating and sleeping.
• Each morning, you should take out your old elastics, brush and floss your teeth, and then replace the elastics with new ones.
• Eat meals with the elastics on, remove them to brush your teeth, and replace them with new ones.
• Change your elastics three or four times a day, as they lose their strength and elasticity over time.
• You should wear your elastics while playing sports unless you are required to use a mouth guard, and the elastics should be replaced when the mouth guard is removed.

Final Thoughts

Once you have learned the proper way to put in your elastics, you will quickly find that putting them in and taking them out is a breeze. While your mouth, teeth, and jaws may be a little sore for the first week of wear, that is normal and not an indication that you are wearing the rubber bands incorrectly. During the treatment process, you will be wearing elastics nearly 24 hours a day, and your mouth will get used to them.

If you are looking for a great pediatric dentist in Omaha, NE, contact Pedodontics, P.C. today.