Elastics (Rubber Bands)

ELASTICS
(Rubber Bands)

The wearing of elastics is an important part of orthodontic treatment and proper wear will speed up the completion of treatment. We need your cooperation before the braces can be removed.

Elastics are worn to help obtain the proper bite by making the upper and lower teeth fit together correctly. This can only be achieved with consistent wearing of the elastics.

INSTRUCTIONS:
1) Wear the elastics 24 hours everyday, except if instructed otherwise. Elastic wear while eating is strongly encouraged if possible.
2) Elastics should be changed twice daily after brushing your teeth in the morning and then again in the evening.
3) Always carry some elastics with you at all times. If one breaks put on a new one right away.
4) If you lose or run out of elastics before your next appointment, come by for more or call us and we will mail them to you.
5) If you cannot wear your elastics because of a broken hook, loose bracket, or other problem, call immediately for an emergency appointment.
6) The elastics will make your teeth sore. Just keep wearing them! It takes 3-4 days for the soreness to go away. If you take the elastics off because your teeth hurt and leave them off for a few days, the soreness will start all over again when you put them back on. SO PUT THEM ON AND JUST PICTURE THE WONDERFUL DAY WHEN YOUR BRACES ARE OFF!!
7) It's up to you, do your very best.

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