Health Society of South Africa

ELASTICS
Lining up your lower and upper teeth

What are Elastics?
Elastics are tiny rubber bands that move your teeth in a way that braces alone cannot. They help improve how upper and lower teeth fit together, improving your bite. You hook elastics onto your braces. Once they're in, they work with your braces to line up your teeth.

What You Can Expect
It may take a couple of days to get used to putting in your elastics. But after that, you'll probably be able to hook them up with your eyes closed. For the first week, your mouth may be a little sore or you may have a slight headache. Over-the-counter pain relievers may help you feel better.

When to Wear Elastics
You'll probably wear your elastics nearly 24 hours a day. Carry plenty of spares so you can replace a broken one right away. Here are things to remember about wearing elastics:

Sleeping:
Wear elastics all night.

Eating:
Most people keep elastics in while eating. But if they get in your way, you may need to remove them. Follow your orthodontist's instructions.

Brushing and flossing:
Take elastics out when cleaning your teeth. Replace them when done. Put in new elastics as often as directed.

Activities and sports:
Keep elastics in unless you need to wear a mouth guard for sports. After removing your mouth guard, put the elastics back in.

Elastics can break. You might feel one snap in your mouth. Once in a while, you might even swallow one. This isn't a problem, just remember to replace the broken elastic with a new one.

Wearing Your Elastics
Your orthodontist can use a diagram to explain where to hook your elastics. Count from your front teeth backwards - upper right, upper left, lower right and lower left. Place the elastics on the numbered teeth indicated.
Follow the other directions that your orthodontist tells you
You should wear your elastics:
All the time
When sleeping
Other

You should replace your elastics:
After brushing
Each morning
At bedtime
Other

Use the correct size and weight of elastic and don't run out.

Your Teeth Lined Up
Wear your elastics as often as instructed. Over time, they'll help your teeth line up evenly. Always carry plenty of spares in case the ones you're wearing break. Elastics will help you have a nice straight smile.