Your orthodontic elastics are very small rubber bands that come in a selection of fun and neutral colours. Here's how your orthodontic elastics work as part of your braces treatment.
In orthodontic treatment there are two types of rubber bands. Ligature elastics wrap around each individual bracket and their job is to keep the archwire in place. These elastics stay in place at all times, and are only removed by your orthodontist when you visit for your adjustment appointments.
Ligature elastics are always a part of braces treatment, however there's another type of elastics that some patients need for additional support. The second type of elastic bands are called interarch bands and their job is to help fix your bite and align your jaw.
If interarch bands are part of your orthodontic treatment you should only ever take them off if necessary in order to eat, floss or brush your teeth. Your orthodontist will tell you exactly how to care for your interarch bands and when they should be removed. Be sure to follow your orthodontist's instructions exactly, so that you don't send your treatment off track.
Generally, interarch elastics must be replaced once a day.
Orthodontic elastics can be fun! They come in a vast range of colour options. Many people enjoy changing out the colours each time they visit the orthodontist for an adjustment appointment. There are limitless colour combinations you can choose which helps to make braces treatment more fun.
Let your personality shine through by using your orthodontic elastics as an accessory! For a discrete look choose clear or silver coloured elastics that blend in with your braces. If you feel like going a little wild mix up the colours and give a rainbow smile a try. Have fun!
