Rubber Bands (Elastics) for Braces - Braces Guide

[@BracesGuide]

I hope the video was helpful, let me know in the comments if you have more topics you would like me to cover in future videos. - Thanks, Dr. Dave

[@crystalh9658]

Great video and awesome job at explaining things!

[@ayn9298]

very informative!

[@BracesGuide]

Glad it was helpful!

[@payalhada8698]

Thanku Docter 🙏I am from India 🙏My brashes treatment is continu and its help me to know how rubber bend works

[@BracesGuide]

I'm so glad it helped, thank you for your comment!

[@srikanthkalvacharla924]

Any Update?

[@itzmalco475]

Hey good day so I have a problem,I got the Class III rubber bands and I started by putting both elastics on 1st molar and K9 then my bracket got loose on one of the 1st molars and I decided to put one of the rubber bands on 2nd molar and keep other one on the 1st will that be ok?cause the 2nd molar for the other one can’t go on

[@BracesGuide]

It might be ok but I would ask your orthodontist to make sure and find out what they would recommend.

[@itzmalco475]

@@BracesGuide ok thank u

[@guneetkaur__]

hi doctor i feel a nerve like intense pain in my upper gums of tooth that is having class 2 elastic rubber band .its been 4 days since previous appointment pain is on peak what can i do?

[@morritalopez2717]

thank you Dr video was very helpful i have a quick question where is the best place to buy the colorful rubber bands from ?

[@BracesGuide]

Your orthodontist can usually supply these to you, just need to ask them if they have rubber bands with colors.

[@KimNgan143]

Hey doc, quick question. I recently got new elastic patterns which is class 3 elastics. The thing is I don’t have an underbite it has always been an overbite. I’ve been in braces for almost 3 years and do not want to wear it wrong and prolong the treatment. Should I contact my orthodontist and see if the tech showed me the right pattern? My previous patterns have never bothered me but this new pattern is very uncomfortable.

[@BracesGuide]

There are other reasons that an orthodontist may recommend a certain pattern, so it may not necessarily be wrong. If you are not sure about how to wear them, you definitely need to contact your orthodontist and confirm how they should be worn. Putting them on incorrectly could be worse than not wearing them at all so it is always good to make sure.

[@lisammaina]

hi doc, i had a question about the type of elastics i was given. basically, my bands go on one of my premolars and on my three bottom molars on both sides of my mouth. It’s attached to the premolar and the last molar, and goes on top and under the ones in between. They explained why they’re doing this in a way I didn’t really get. could you explain this? thanks!

[@BracesGuide]

I'm not exactly sure from your description, but it might be vertical settling type of elastics where they are trying to bring everything together between your upper and lower teeth? I would suggest that you ask your orthodontist to explain it again at your next visit though since I'm not exactly sure from how you described.

[@cosminhuplea5694]

should elastics be changed twice a day? I mean two pairs per day? does it depends on the case? if they can be replaced twice a day, generally in which cases whould be changed twice a day? thank you

[@BracesGuide]

Usually orthodontists recommend changing them because over time, the elastics can stretch out and become less effective. So, changing them a couple times a day can help to make sure the forces stay active. Best thing would be to ask your orthodontist how often to change for your specific situation.

[@aliviarothweil9201]

Hey doc, I have a severe overbight, to the point where I can't close my mouth. Also on my back molars left side of my mouth barley touch, what would that be called?

[@BracesGuide]

Hi there, when the teeth do not touch, that would be called an open bite. Sometimes the bite can be open in one area and deep in another, usually that is caused by an interference. This is something that can be evaluated by your dentist or orthodontist and they can guide you on how best to help.

[@masitahamani8113]

Hi doc im wearing class II elastics and just started recently. When im wearing, i cant open my mouth and all the teeth are locked in position. There are no spaces in between my teeth. I also feel like the upper canine is grinding the lower canine causing it to be slightly attrited. Is it normal to not be able to open your mouth? And can movement happens when all the teeth are locked in biting position? Thank you

[@BracesGuide]

Hello, yes the tension of the elastics can sometimes restrict opening but you should confirm that you have the right size rubber bands, ask your orthodontist about this to be sure.

[@lyonoraben6217]

Hi doc your video it’s helped me to know how the elestics works , in my case my orthodontist do one side in class 2 and the second side in class 3 in the same time , is that work or they should to put them in the same class ?

[@BracesGuide]

Hello! Yes sometimes when the bite is different on the left and right the rubber bands can be used to correct that, changing up the direction depending on how the bite needs to be moved. So yes follow your orthodontists instructions exactly and ask if you are unsure about how or why you are wearing them.

[@lyonoraben6217]

Thank u so much for your answer and i’ll ask her

[@shankar3950]

Question: on a class 2 what if I have a lower tooth on the left side for the elastics but not a tooth on the right side..how would my orthodontist have me wear my elastics for a over jet? Meaning the lower mollar is on the left but not the right side

[@BracesGuide]

Good question, of course it varies depending on each persons unique situation, but sometimes hooks can be placed on other teeth for elastics. For example, if the right molar is missing, a hook can be placed on the lower right second premolars instead. The amount and direction of the forces would be slightly different, so this would need to be evaluated by the orthodontist.

[@velissatrulyblessed3131]

I am trying to correct my midline and my Ortho is only asking me to wear one rubber band on each side but I dnt that will shift my front teeth since the rubber band is not on that teeth. Can I possibly put rubber bands on more teeth then recommended to move all teeth at once as long as it’s going the same direction? Or is the purpose of wearing band on the opposite teeth gonna move all teeth for me?

[@BracesGuide]

One rubber band on each side still has the effect of moving all the teeth, not just the ones the rubber band is connected to. So, I would suggest you still follow your orthodontists suggestion. At your next visit, you can confirm how and why you are wearing them this way with your orthodontist.

[@ashleezelaya6796]

Sorry I just saw this video and I am 4 months in on my braces but I have an overbite and I wanted to know how many months in your treatment do people usually have to wear elastics ex. Do they get them 4-6 months in there treatment or when exactly by the way I need to wear braces for 2 years

[@BracesGuide]

It varies, but usually patients will start to wear them once they are in heavier, sturdier wires, which ends up being a few months into treatment. There are times the orthodontist may recommend elastics right away, so it really depends on the situation.

[@bighueso2428]

Hi Doc. I have a class 2 bite. I currently wear clear aligners and in my last visit with my dentist, he attached “buttons” directly onto my teeth to apply elastics. I’m in my 30s. I’m skeptical that my bite will be corrected. Especially since all the research I’ve done indicates that this treatment is more effective in teens while the jaw is still forming. Can you provide more insight into this? Thanks!

[@BracesGuide]

Elastics work with aligners and with braces. The elastics simply apply forces to the teeth (group of teeth), which then helps to move them with the goal of improving how upper and lower teeth fit together. You can ask your orthodontist to get specific information about your treatment, but generally speaking, elastics work very well with aligners to move teeth. Hope that helps!

[@barbaralitaker3156]

I’m 34 i also have class 2 bite, your jaw will still move it doesn’t matter the age it just takes longer since we are older

[@desaagi-jf9si]

@@barbaralitaker3156 not in my case, also 34, same problem, and the elastics have not helped me. my doc is suggesting jaw surgery, something that i can not afford.

[@قطراتالمطر-ه2ر]

thank you so much Dr. On what size and type of arch wire we can use the rubber bands?..

[@BracesGuide]

It depends, usually the orthodontist will want to be in a larger, more supportive wire, but this really depends on the situation. Best to follow the advice of your orthodontist.

[@قطراتالمطر-ه2ر]

@@BracesGuide SO grateful Dr. 🌺🌺

[@Qwibbs]

in like less then a week my overjet seems to be fixed, but idk cos idk where teeth are menat to be like where the bite should be. do you have a video on that

[@BracesGuide]

Next time you see your orthodontist, have them show you where your bite should be. It's a good idea for a video, showing an "ideal" bite and alignment, thanks!

[@Qwibbs]

@@BracesGuide no problem, thanks I’ll ask next time I’m there :)

[@gamingvilla4724]

Hello doctor your videos are very informative. I have class 2 and my lower jaw is a little backwards, so can these elastics move it a little forward without extraction etc or they just move upper teeth backward? I am 20 btw. Thank you

[@BracesGuide]

Hello, thanks for your comment. Elastics tend to just move teeth, there is no skeletal or jaw effects, just dental movement. Rubber bands can have an effect on both upper and lower teeth, however. So for example with Class 2 elastics, the upper teeth move back and lower teeth also are moved forward.

[@gamingvilla4724]

@@BracesGuide thank you. Very helpful

[@saulgoodmanKAZAKH]

Hey doctor! My situation is when a tooth is standing very weirdly. Do I put rubber band exactly where that one tooth is, or is it wherever?

[@BracesGuide]

It depends and can vary so it would be best to follow your orthodontists instructions for your situation.

[@aerialalexcia2255]

I have to wear elastics 24/7 and I was wondering if colored ones or just regular ones matter? Like will if effect anything?

[@BracesGuide]

The color and regular elastics are usually made from the same materials and have the same size/strength options. Your orthodontist will be recommending the same type of elastic to place the proper force whether they are color or regular elastics. So, either will work equally well.

[@moonlandworks]

Hi, I have vertical elastics (upper canine, lower canine and premolar), but they are 5/16", is that normal?? I honestly don't feel them unless I open my mouth, they seem loose. First elastics I'm wearing on my treatment and I have a thick wire (at 1 year 4 months of treatment btw)

[@BracesGuide]

Your orthodontist makes the recommendation on the type of elastic, so you can ask them about this at your next appointment. It doesn’t take a lot of force to move teeth, also, the length of time you wear the elastics has a greater effect than a stronger force. I would suggest following the orthodontists instructions on the type and time needed to wear until you can ask them about it.

[@moonlandworks]

ty!@@BracesGuide

[@aanchalsahni9599]

Hey Doc my dentist has removed wrong premolar from lower jaw one side 1st premolar and another side 2nd premolar for overbite I'm very depressed I got braces for beautiful smile will this wrong extraction affect my smile or overall look My english is not good sorry

[@BracesGuide]

Unfortunately I am unable to give you advise on this specific situation. It would be best if you brought up your concerns with your orthodontist and ask them what their plan is for your treatment.

[@عبدالوهابالحداد-خ1ك]

TU FOR vido which wire can be use with inter elastic

[@BracesGuide]

It depends on the situation, usually a larger, more supportive wire is used to avoid side effects but sometimes the orthodontist will use in lighter wires if needed.

[@hadoiia]

What do I do?? My orthodontist told me to wear elastics for a month and gave me one packet of elastics. Im 2 weeks in and i ran out of elastics😭😭 i literally have none right now.😭😭

[@BracesGuide]

No need to worry, best thing would be to call your orthodontist and let them know. You might need to pick up more from their office or sometimes they can send you more in the mail.

[@canigetahoyaaa9774]

Im wearing mine right now, is it good if I am feeling pain in my teeth? I have an overbite and my doctor said that my teeth are too short(gums covering) so i need to wear mine to pull out the teeth

[@BracesGuide]

Some soreness is normal when wearing rubber bands, especially when you first start wearing them. If you have a lot of pain you should talk to your orthodontist.

[@canigetahoyaaa9774]

@@BracesGuide thanks! Its okay now, not as sore as yesterday 🤗

[@desaagi-jf9si]

Rubber bands have done nothing for me, i still have a huge over jet and overbite where my upper teeth are covering the bottom teeth completing. and, this is the second time i have braces. This time, i have have them for 2 years. Im tired of the!... i guess, i will have to deal with it, even though, i hate my smile.

[@BracesGuide]

Sorry to hear this but best thing would be to talk to your orthodontist about this.

[@sacdiaabdulahimahamud6790]

How much Elastica do I use all day? or one day or 24h per day

[@BracesGuide]

Hello! It depends on what kind of movement your orthodontist needs for your treatment. So, it would be best to ask your orthodontist how often you should wear the elastics, because it can be different for every person.

[@glossykay1158]

What size rubber bands are generally used ?

[@BracesGuide]

It varies quite a bit depending on where they are attached, the distance and the force needed. Some offices will have quite a few different sizes.

[@anglosaxon7387]

My orthodontist said put them for 2 weeks but i'm wearing them for 3 weeks....any problem...?

[@BracesGuide]

It’s unlikely to be a major problem but ideally you should follow their instructions and let them know what happened.

[@WinterBrat2023]

What Size Of Elastic Would You Wear For A Class 2 Overbite ?

[@BracesGuide]

The size would be best prescribed by your orthodontist, since it will vary depending on where it is connected and each patient will have a unique situation, so the size will optimize the amount of force applied.

[@pedromiranda6918]

Sou classe 3

[@BracesGuide]

Thanks for watching, I hope the video was helpful!