Elastics For Braces: The Ultimate Guide

+ Part 1: What are elastics for braces?
+ Part 2: My first week with braces elastics
+ Part 3: Elastics & braces FAQs
+ Part 4: Braces elastics: Practical tips for daily life
+ Part 5: Braces & elastics - everything you need to know

 

STARTING MY JOURNEY WITH BRACES ELASTICS

When I first found out I would have to wear rubber bands with my braces I had mixed feelings.

I felt good I was moving forward with my braces journey.

But I was a bit worried because I didn’t really know what to expect.

UNDERSTANDING RUBBER BANDS FOR BRACES

I did have some understanding because my sister finished treatment with braces not long before I started and she had rubber bands.

So, for example, I understand that they help to move the teeth into position and that you have to take them out for eating.

How do elastics work with braces?

But I didn’t really understand how it all work in terms of fitting the rubber bands to the hooks.

The way it works is the orthodontist fits metal hooks to some of the brackets at the top and some of the brackets at the bottom.

Then you have to hook rubber bands between the top and the bottom hooks.

They’re very small rubber bands.

Why does the size of elastics matter?

I think the size of the band depends on how effective they’re supposed to be.

So if they’re small then the orthodontist really wants to close up the bite.

My understanding is the rubber bands really help to further tighten everything up.

In other words, the bands just make the braces work better.

DAILY LIFE WITH BRACES ELASTICS

I just take them out for eating and brushing my teeth.

To be honest, it depends what I’m eating.

For example, if it’s just soup or soft pasta, I don’t really feel like I need to take them out.

Don’t tell my dentist though!

Eating and drinking with elastics

Also I’ve been keeping them in for fizzy drinks but I usually use a straw.

I’m not massively worried about the sugar or the acidity damaging the rubber bands because I change them twice a day.

DO BRACES ELASTICS HURT

When I had the rubber bands fitted at the orthodontist it felt absolutely fine at first.

Then it started to feel a bit tight and that night it did hurt.

I used painkillers as advised by the dentist.

Getting used to the tightness

But my mindset is always that if there is some tightness or discomfort it means my teeth are moving so in a way I like to celebrate that.

It definitely helps me through any discomfort.

By day three, any discomfort had started to fade.

And by day four there was basically nothing.

I’m really getting used to it already.

LIVING WITH ELASTICS FOR BRACES

In summary, I see it as part of my teeth straightening journey.

Please note: This real and original patient account does not come from a White & Co. patient.

LAST WEEK IN PART 1

What are elastics for braces? An introduction.

COMING UP IN PART 3

Elastics & braces FAQs

FIXED BRACES AT WHITE & CO.

Find out more about fixed braces at White & Co.