If you’ve just started wearing rubber bands with braces (also called orthodontic elastics), you might be wondering “What are these for, and why does Dr. Connolly want me to wear them?” It’s a great question — and one more patients should understand clearly.
At Connolly Orthodontics, we want you to feel confident and informed throughout your treatment. Braces do a lot of the heavy lifting when it comes to straightening teeth, but rubber bands are often the secret ingredient that makes a big difference in how your bite fits together — and how your smile feels every day.
Braces are excellent at moving teeth into new positions, but sometimes your upper and lower teeth/jaws don’t meet quite right on their own. That’s where rubber bands come in. These little elastic bands help guide the way your bite lines up — so your top and bottom teeth fit together comfortably and function the way they should.
Worn as directed, rubber bands:
The exact way you wear them — which teeth they connect to and how many you need — depends on your own smile goals and bite correction plan.
Not every braces patient needs elastics, and that’s okay. Some people with simple alignment needs may not, while others benefit greatly from them midway through treatment.
At Connolly Orthodontics, we use the most effective treatment options for each individual. For example, most of our braces are self-ligating braces, which work without elastic ties around each bracket, moving teeth efficiently while still allowing us to add elastics when bite correction is needed.
We’ll talk with you about whether elastics are part of your plan and exactly how and when to wear them.
Wearing your elastics correctly makes a real difference in your treatment timeline. Here are a few practical pointers:
✔ Wear them as instructed
Following the schedule your orthodontist gives you (often most of the day) will keep your smile moving in the right direction.
✔ Replace them regularly
Rubber bands lose strength over time. Most people replace them several times a day — especially after eating or brushing your teeth — to keep pressure consistent.
✔ Keep extras with you
Stash a few in your backpack, purse, or lunchbox so you’re always prepared if one breaks or gets lost.
✔ Don’t skip them just because they’re out of sight at school or work
Skipping even a few hours a day can slow progress and extend how long you wear braces.
Most people feel a bit of pressure at first, and that’s normal. It’s a sign your elastics are working. If something feels uncomfortable in a way that doesn’t feel right, though, just reach out to us. We’re here to help you understand what’s normal and what’s worth checking on.
We often tell our patients that braces treatment is a partnership:
you show up each day with your elastics in place, and we adjust and guide your progress over time.
Most of the magic happens because you’re consistent — even on days when rubber bands feel like a small extra step. That consistent effort is one of the things that helps your bite feel right and your smile look great.
We love walking patients through the why and how of your treatment — not just the what. If you’re ever unsure about where a rubber band goes, how long to wear them, or what to do when one breaks, just give us a call or ask at your next visit.
Your smile is personal — and at Connolly Orthodontics, your care is too.
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