We call them “Elastics” and in Western Pennsylvania they call them “Gum Bands”. But whatever you call them everyone in braces wears them at some time and without them we have no good way to establish an ideal, stable, fit of the teeth.
Rubber bands normally go from teeth or wires on one jaw to teeth or wires on the other jaw. The orthodontist decides the direction needed to get the teeth to fit and the size and strength of the force needed. The ideal force to get the desired movement is determined by the doctor so do not “double-up” or wear different size rubber bands to get done faster. Rubber bands have larger diameters for longer distance and smaller diameters for short. The band material itself is thicker when more force is needed.
When rubber bands are attached, it takes 10 hours or more for the teeth to start moving. This is when the teeth may be sore. Once the teeth are moving, they will not be sore unless the rubber bands are stopped for over 30 minutes. Then it will take 10 hours to start them moving again and they may be sore (again!).
Some short, tight rubber bands may have to be removed to eat certain foods but most can be worn to eat and the chewing motion helps move the teeth. If they have to be removed for eating or brushing they should be re-inserted within the 30 minute time frame.
You need to know that if you cannot wear them full-time due to the need to wear mouthguards for several hours a day, your treatment time will be extended or you will finish with less than an ideal bite.
We now have “rainbow” or multi-colored rubber bands for a fashion statement but the goal is still 24/7 wear. They should be changed at least once daily and always have a pack with you in case they break or shoot across the room while away from home.
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