If you’re in orthodontic treatment, you’ve likely been asked to wear rubber bands, also known as elastics, to help guide your bite. And if you've ever skipped a day or two, you may wonder:
“Can my orthodontist tell if I’m not wearing them?”
At Beecroft Orthodontics, the answer is a definite yes, and here’s why.
What Do Rubber Bands Actually Do?
Braces and aligners move your teeth into the right position, but elastics help correct how your top and bottom teeth fit together - your bite. Without them, your smile may look straight, but your bite won’t function properly.
Elastics are used to treat:
Overbites – when upper teeth sit too far forward
Underbites – when lower teeth extend beyond the uppers
Crossbites – when the upper teeth bite inside the lowers
Open bites – when the front teeth don’t touch when biting down
Midline shifts – when the center of the upper and lower teeth don’t line up
How Do We Know If You’re Not Wearing Them?
When you skip elastics, your bite won’t improve the way it should. During your check-ups, Dr. Beecroft, Dr. Cox or Dr. Jenny evaluates how your teeth and jaw are moving. If progress is off track, we know something’s not right, and it’s usually due to inconsistent elastic wear.
We also notice:
Bite alignment staying the same between visits
New rubber bands that still look unused
Soreness from on-again-off-again use
Delayed treatment compared to your projected timeline
Add a Little Fun with Colored Elastics
Wearing rubber bands every day might sound like a chore, but we make it more exciting, especially for kids! At Beecroft Orthodontics, we offer a variety of fun colored elastics. Your child can choose colors to match their mood, school colors, holidays, or just for fun. It’s a great way to encourage consistent wear and get them involved in the process.
We Offer Latex-Free Rubber Bands
Concerned about allergies? If you or your child has a latex allergy, or even a suspicion of one, let us know. We offer latex-free rubber bands to make sure every patient stays safe and comfortable throughout their treatment.
Final Thoughts & Next Steps
Elastics play a huge role in how quickly and successfully we can finish your orthodontic treatment. If you’ve been skipping them, now’s the time to get back on track. And if you need help remembering or managing them, just ask, we’re here for you.
We are always ready to help make treatment easier for you! Call us with questions or to schedule a free consultation today!