Elastics are a vital part of treatment and are also contingent upon patient compliance. They add extra pressure to the braces to help move the teeth. Generally worn at all times (excluding eating and brushing your teeth), elastics should be changed at least once a day. They come in various sizes as they are each used for a specific purpose. We will provide you with the appropriate size.
Follow these general guidelines regarding elastics:
- Always wear your elastics. You need to wear them as much as possible (24 hours a day, if you can) for them to be effective.
- Take off your elastics only to brush. While elastics are generally helpful, they will get in the way of your brushing and flossing.
- Carry back-ups. Elastics may break, so always have some extras with you to replace them with.
- Don’t take them off if your mouth is sore. Even if your teeth are tender, you need to keep your elastics on - if you take them on and off, they won’t be effective, and your mouth will never adjust to them.
- Let us know if you run low. We will be glad to provide you with more if you need them.