Elastics/Rubberbands

Sometimes we require our patients to wear elastics or rubber bands to help move their teeth. Elastics work as a motor. They supply the push that moves the teeth along the wires. These elastics should be worn twenty-four hours a day, which means all day and night. You may take them out for your three main meals. If you are snacking during the day you can leave them in.

Also, you can expect your teeth to be sore for the next few days. If this happens, take Tylenol or advil and continue wearing the rubber bands.

If you do not wear your elastics or are not wearing them at least 22 hours of each day, your treatment will not progress because your teeth will drift back to their pre-treatment position.