Treatments & Appliances
6 min read • By Dr. Kevin Baharvand, Diplomate, American Board of Orthodontics
At some point in braces treatment, we'll hand you a little bag of tiny rubber bands and ask you to hook them between your upper and lower teeth. These are orthodontic elastics, and here's the thing patients don't always realize: they do a job your braces alone can't. Braces straighten teeth; elastics fix how your top and bottom jaws fit together. And they only work if you actually wear them. Let me explain how they work and why your cooperation is the whole ballgame.
What are orthodontic elastics?
Orthodontic elastics, often just called rubber bands, are small stretchy loops that connect your upper braces to your lower braces. Don't confuse them with the little colored ties around each bracket, those hold the wire in place. Elastics are different: you put them on yourself, hooking them between specific points on the top and bottom, and you take them out to eat and brush. They're a small piece of the puzzle that carries a big responsibility.
How do they work?
Your braces and archwire do a great job lining up teeth within each jaw. But if your upper and lower jaws don't meet correctly, aligning the teeth isn't enough. Elastics apply gentle, continuous force between the jaws, gradually guiding your bite into the right position. Think of the wire as straightening the rows and the elastics as bringing the two rows into proper alignment with each other.
What elastics correct
| Elastic setup | What it helps correct |
|---|---|
| Class II | Overbite, where upper teeth sit too far forward |
| Class III | Underbite, where lower teeth sit too far forward |
| Vertical | Open bite, helping teeth meet |
| Cross | Midline and crossbite issues |
Your orthodontist will show you the exact pattern for your case and which hooks to use. It can feel fiddly for the first day or two, then it becomes second nature.
Wearing them right (this is the key)
- Wear them 20 to 22 hours a day. Only remove them to eat and to brush and floss.
- Change them a few times daily. Elastics lose their stretch and force after several hours, so fresh ones keep the pressure steady.
- Don't double up. Two elastics don't work faster, they apply too much force and can harm the roots. Follow the plan exactly.
- Keep spares everywhere. Stash them in your bag, car, and desk so a lost band is never an excuse to skip.
Questions about your elastics or your bite?
We're happy to walk you through it. Start with a free consultation.
Frequently asked questions
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Why families trust Elate Orthodontics
With over 1,000 five-star reviews across three locations, Elate Orthodontics is led by Dr. Kevin Baharvand, DMD, MS, a Diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics, whose clinical work was recently selected for the cover of the American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics, the most prestigious peer-reviewed journal in the field, and a national speaker on clear aligner treatment. Alongside Dr. Julia Kang, DMD, MS, both Boston University graduates and members of the Omicron Kappa Upsilon national honor society, our husband-and-wife team has been recognized as D Magazine Best Dentist 2026, Living Magazine Readers' Choice 2026 Best Orthodontist in Frisco & Plano, Readers' Choice Best Orthodontist in The Colony, Best New Business by the Chamber of Commerce, Nextdoor Neighborhood Favorite, and featured in Orthotown and Authority Magazine.
We serve families through three convenient offices in West Frisco, North Frisco, and The Colony, each staffed by the same trusted team, equipped with advanced technology, and committed to the personalized approach that consistently helps patients finish treatment sooner than expected. From braces and clear braces to Angel Aligners, we offer treatment for every age and every stage of life. We stay in-network with most insurance plans and offer flexible financing to make exceptional orthodontic care accessible for every family we serve.
Need general and family dentistry too? Our sister practice, Tribute Family Dentistry, provides dental care for all ages.
