Most patients at Dunegan & Cole Orthodontics will need to wear elastic rubber bands at some point during orthodontic treatment. The main reason patients are instructed to wear elastics is to correct their bite. If teeth do not fit together properly, Our staff will recommend that they be used. We may also recommend using elastics to close or open spaces.
Elastics are a critical part of your treatment, and wearing them as our team recommends will help move your teeth into the desired positions. It the responsibility of the patient to wear the elastics as directed by their doctor. We may ask you to wear your elastics full time, meaning that they should only be taken out and replaced with a new set when you brush and floss your teeth three times a day. Other times, you may be asked to only wear them part-time, like only during the day or only during sleep. Elastic bands should be thrown away after each use and never reused. Sometimes when you start your elastics your teeth, jaw, and mouth will experience soreness. Dr. Dunegan and Dr. Cole recommend to take Acetaminophen or Ibuprofen to control the discomfort for the first two or three days.
If you still have any questions, we invite you to give us a call or ask us during your next adjustment visit. Any of our team members can answer your questions about your elastic wear and offer tips. Remember, wearing your bands as prescribed by Dr. Dunegan or Dr. Cole and their staff is an important step during your treatment, and can reduce the time you have your braces or Invsialign®. Never go too long without your elastics – if you lose them or run out in between appointments, stop by our office during business hours or call us and we will mail you some!
