Orthodontic elastics are one of the most powerful tools in your treatment — and one of the most dependent on you. How consistently you wear your elastics has a direct impact on how quickly and effectively your bite is corrected. This guide from Dr. Hessamfar and the ABSC team covers everything you need to know to wear your elastics correctly and keep your treatment on track.
Wearing Elastics (Rubber Bands) With Braces
What Are Orthodontic Elastics?
Orthodontic elastics — commonly called rubber bands — are small, stretchy bands attached to hooks on your upper and lower braces brackets. They work by applying controlled directional force between the upper and lower jaws to correct bite problems such as overbite, underbite, overjet, and midline discrepancies that the braces alone cannot fix. Unlike the wires in your braces — which Dr. Hessamfar adjusts at each appointment — elastics are your responsibility. The force they generate decreases throughout the day as the rubber stretches and loses tension, which is why they must be worn consistently and replaced every day to maintain effective, uninterrupted pressure on the teeth and jaw.
How Orthodontic Elastics Work
Braces move individual teeth by applying pressure through the wire and brackets. Elastics do something different — they apply force between the upper and lower arches, guiding the jaws into proper alignment with each other. This is critical for correcting bite relationships that cannot be addressed by moving teeth alone. Dr. Hessamfar will show you exactly which hooks to attach your elastics to at your appointment — the configuration is specific to your bite correction needs and should not be changed unless instructed.
Elastics must be worn at all times — including while sleeping — except when eating and brushing your teeth. Every hour without elastics is an hour of lost treatment progress. The more consistently you wear them, the faster and more predictably your bite corrects.
Tips for Wearing Your Elastics Correctly
- Change your elastics every day — without exception. Throughout the day, the rubber loses its elasticity and the force it applies gradually decreases. Fresh elastics every morning — or as instructed by Dr. Hessamfar — ensures maximum, consistent pressure on your teeth and jaw
- Wear them at all times, day and night. Elastics must be worn continuously to maintain steady force. The only exceptions are eating meals and brushing and flossing your teeth — reapply them immediately afterward
- Always carry extras. Keep a small supply of elastics with you throughout the day — in your school bag, work bag, wallet, or pocket. If an elastic snaps during the day, replace it immediately rather than waiting until you get home
- Call us before you run out. When your elastic supply is getting low, contact ABSC before you run out entirely. Even a day or two without elastics allows teeth to drift back, potentially reversing recent progress
- Remove elastics for eating and brushing only. Take your elastics out at mealtimes and when brushing and flossing — then put fresh ones back on immediately. Do not leave them out longer than necessary
- Never double up to make up for missed wear. Wearing two elastics at once to compensate for time without them applies too much force, which can cause pain and damage to the teeth and supporting bone. If you missed wearing time, simply resume normal wear and contact us if you have concerns
What to Do If Your Elastics Keep Breaking
It is normal for elastics to snap occasionally — especially during the first few days of wearing them. If your elastics are breaking frequently and consistently, however, this may be a sign that an adjustment to your braces is needed. Contact ABSC and let Dr. Hessamfar know — we will arrange an appointment to check your brackets and wire configuration. Do not simply keep replacing broken elastics without alerting us, as frequent breakage can indicate that something needs attention.
Protecting Your Braces During Sports — Orthodontic Mouthguards
If you play sports during your orthodontic treatment, wearing a mouthguard is strongly recommended — and for contact sports, it is essential. A mouthguard protects not only your teeth, gums, lips, and jaw from impact injuries but also protects your brackets and wires from being damaged or dislodged during physical activity. A broken bracket or bent wire from a sports impact can set your treatment back and require an unplanned repair appointment.
Standard over-the-counter mouthguards may not fit well over braces. Ask Dr. Hessamfar about an orthodontic mouthguard — designed specifically to fit over brackets and wires and provide proper protection without damaging your appliance.
After Every Sports Activity
After every game, practice, or physical activity, take a moment to check your mouth for any signs of damage:
- Loose, cracked, or displaced brackets
- Bent, protruding, or broken wires
- Cuts or sores on the lips, cheeks, or gums caused by braces impact
- Loose or missing elastics that need to be replaced
If you experience a sports-related dental emergency — including a broken bracket, a displaced wire, a chipped tooth, or mouth injury — contact your nearest ABSC office as soon as possible. Do not wait until your next scheduled appointment.
Your Compliance Directly Determines Your Treatment Timeline
Of all the factors that influence how long your orthodontic treatment takes, elastic wear compliance is the one most within your control. Patients who wear their elastics exactly as prescribed — every day, all day, replacing them daily — consistently finish treatment on schedule or ahead of schedule. Patients who wear elastics inconsistently often find their treatment extended by months, because the teeth cannot complete their correction without sustained, uninterrupted force.
Every time you put your elastics in, you are actively contributing to your own treatment. Every time you skip wearing them, treatment slows down. It really is that direct. If you have any difficulty with your elastics — including soreness, difficulty attaching them, or uncertainty about which hooks to use — contact ABSC rather than stopping wear. We are always happy to help.
Pick Up Elastics or Get Help at Any ABSC Location
Running low on elastics? Have a broken bracket after sports? Need a mouthguard recommendation? Stop in or call any of our three Northern Virginia offices — no appointment needed for elastic refills.
- Ashburn, VA — serving Ashburn, Leesburg, Sterling, Chantilly, and Herndon
- Woodbridge, VA — serving Woodbridge, Manassas, Dale City, Dumfries, and Lake Ridge
- Alexandria, VA — serving Alexandria, Fairfax, Reston, Springfield, and Annandale
Call us at 703-726-6561 or get in touch online.
Frequently Asked Questions — Wearing Elastics With Braces
How often do I need to change my elastics?
Change your elastics every day — ideally at the same time each morning. Throughout the day, the rubber loses its tension and the force it generates decreases. Fresh elastics daily ensures consistent, effective pressure on your teeth and jaw.
How many hours a day should I wear my elastics?
Elastics should be worn 22 to 24 hours a day — at all times except when eating and brushing your teeth. Remove them for meals and oral hygiene, then replace them immediately afterward.
What happens if I forget to wear my elastics?
Missing elastic wear — even for a day or two — slows your treatment progress and can allow teeth to drift back slightly. Resume wearing them as soon as you remember. Do not double up to compensate, as too much force can cause damage. If you have consistently missed wear time, let Dr. Hessamfar know at your next appointment.
Can I eat with my elastics in?
No. Remove your elastics before eating — food and chewing forces can snap them or cause excessive, uncontrolled pressure. Replace them with fresh elastics immediately after eating and brushing.
What should I do if my elastics keep snapping?
Occasional snapping is normal, especially at the start. If your elastics are breaking frequently and consistently, contact ABSC — this may indicate that an adjustment to your braces is needed.
What kind of mouthguard should I wear over braces?
A standard boil-and-bite mouthguard is not ideal for braces. Ask Dr. Hessamfar about an orthodontic mouthguard specifically designed to fit over brackets and wires. It provides proper protection without putting pressure on or damaging your braces.
Where can I get more elastics?
ABSC provides elastics at no additional cost. Call ahead when your supply is running low and we will have them ready for you — or stop by any of our three offices. Never let your elastic supply run out completely, as even a brief gap in wear can affect your progress.
Guidance You Can Trust From an Experienced Orthodontist
“Dr. Hessamfar was very clear about how important the elastics were and exactly how to use them. I wore them faithfully every day and finished my treatment two months ahead of schedule. The team was always available when I had questions and made the whole experience easy.”
— ABSC Orthodontics patient, Woodbridge, VA
At ABSC, every patient receives clear, thorough instructions for every aspect of their treatment — including elastic wear, mouthguard use, and appliance care. Dr. Ron Hessamfar has over 20 years of experience guiding patients through every stage of orthodontic treatment across Northern Virginia. His team is always available between appointments to answer questions and resolve concerns promptly. ABSC is recognized as a Top Orthodontist by Northern Virginia Magazine and Washingtonian Magazine and consistently voted Best Orthodontist in Prince William and Loudoun County. Read more patient reviews here.
Questions About Your Elastics or Braces? We Are Here.
Do not let a question about elastic wear slow your treatment down. Reach out to the ABSC team at any of our three Northern Virginia offices — we are always happy to help, whether you need more elastics, a mouthguard recommendation, or a repair appointment after a sports activity.
