How Often Should You Change Your Orthodontic Elastics

Elastics play a key role in keeping your braces aligned and making sure your treatment is effective. But you might be surprised at how often they need to be changed. Elastics, or rubber bands for braces, are typically changed at least twice a day! This might seem like a lot, but it soon becomes a habit that supports a lifetime of confident smiles!

What an Orthodontist Wants You to Know About Elastics

Elastics are important because they exert pressure on your teeth, helping them gradually shift into the desired placement. However, they lose their elasticity quite fast, which means it’s best to swap them with new ones every 12 hours or so.

Some patients need to change up to four times a day. What matters most is ensuring your teeth receive adequate pressure to keep their movement consistent. Over time, this can help prevent the teeth from resorting to their previous positions and requiring more treatment.

At Bailey Orthodontics, we help our clients achieve the smiles of their dreams with elastic braces treatment. These long-proven bands are a key element to getting your desired results, whether you’re an adult or a teen going through treatment.

What Happens if I Don’t Change My Bands?

If you don’t switch your orthodontic elastics often enough, you may need to extend treatment. Braces will become ineffective without pressure from bands pushing your teeth and jaw into the desired position.

As an orthodontist in Coppell, TX, Dr. Stich makes sure every patient’s braces and bands are perfectly aligned to support their best smile. There’s no such thing as one-size-fits-all treatment! Instead, every patient needs to wear their bands and swap them out as often as they need to for their unique case.

Top Tips for Caring for Orthodontic Elastics

• Wear your elastics 24/7 unless you’re told not to.
• Follow your orthodontist’s suggestions on when and how to adjust your elastics.
• Always carry a spare set in case you need to make a switch.
• Take out your bands before eating and brushing your teeth.

Do I Really Need to Wear Braces Elastics?

Some patients don’t require elastics for their braces. It depends on how much pressure your teeth need to shift into the ideal position. If your teeth do need extra support, then your orthodontist in Coppell, TX will suggest adding bands to make sure your treatment works.

Your elastic braces treatment won’t be more difficult than treatment without bands. While it can take some adjustment getting used to wearing them, you’ll soon find that it only takes a minute or two to change them, and the results are more than worth the effort!

Are Braces in Your Future?

Imagine feeling more confident than ever with a smile you’re proud to show off. Schedule your visit with our team at Bailey Orthodontics to learn more! Visit our offices in Flower Mound & Coppell to transform your smile. Take a look at our Smile Gallery to see the difference braces can make!