Rubber Bands: Why They Are Key to a Healthy Bite

We know that braces do most of the heavy lifting when it comes to straightening your teeth. Something that often goes unnoticed is the work of rubber bands, which align your jaw to make sure your bite fits together just right. The payoff is better chewing, better comfort, and better long-term tooth and oral health. This is why Dr. Willett keeps reminding you to wear your elastics! Let’s break down what they do, why they matter, and how staying consistent can make your treatment smoother, faster, and more successful! 

What do Rubber Bands Do?

Braces are great at aligning your teeth and making them level, but they aren’t designed to correct the positions of your top and bottom teeth and jaws. Rubber bands are all about jaw alignment and the best fit of the teeth, particularly the back teeth. A well-aligned bite helps you chew comfortably, prevents uneven tooth wear, reduces strain on your jaw joints, and supports long-term oral health.

Dr. Willett carefully chooses the size, placement, and pattern of your elastics for your unique bite. The patterns of the rubber bands aren’t random: they’re a precise prescription for what your teeth and jaws need. The rubber bands are designed to create gentle, consistent pressure that trains and positions your jaws where to settle. 

It’s a Team Effort 

Orthodontic treatment is a team effort! Dr. Willett can make all the necessary adjustments during your appointments, but the real work happens at home with you! Wearing your rubber bands every day is part of the plan and leads to the ultimate success. Even a few hours off can slow your progress and keep you in braces longer than intended. Think of wearing your rubber bands like training for your favorite sport. You need consistent effort to see results. 

Why “24/7” Really Means 24/7

Most patients hear “wear them all the time” and assume it’s flexible. But with rubber bands, that constant, gentle pressure is the only way your bite will shift. If you take a break, your teeth begin to move back to where they started. Which means you have to regain that movement all over again. Wearing your elastics constantly (except when brushing or eating, of course) helps your bite. 

A helpful tip is to keep a few extra elastic packs in places you’re likely to need them. Your backpack, purse, car, bathroom—even on your nightstand! When they are easier to grab, it’s easier to remember to stay consistent.

Caring for Your Bands

Rubber bands are one part of the whole care routine that helps keep your treatment on track. Along with wearing them, a few other habits make a huge difference:

• Come to every appointment so adjustments can happen on schedule. 
• Fix any broken brackets and pay attention to if a bracket is unglued from your teeth.
• Keep brushing and flossing consistently so your teeth stay healthy throughout treatment. 
• See your dentist on a regular basis as they’ll be caring for your teeth and gums alongside Dr. Willett. 

All of these steps work together to support the movement your rubber bands are helping create. 

Rubber Band FAQ’s

What if I forget to wear my rubber bands all day?

It happens, just remember to put them back on right away! One missed day isn’t going to derail the whole process, but doing that too often makes progress nearly impossible.

Do rubber bands hurt?

You might feel some pressure for the first day or two. That’s normal and means the elastics are working! The soreness fades quickly as your bite adjusts and the more you wear elastics, the more “used” to the feeling your teeth with be and there will be less soreness.

Why do my rubber bands break?

Rubber bands can stretch and wear down naturally. If they’re snapping often, please let us know! We can switch them to a different material and check your hooks. 

Will my treatment really take longer if I don’t wear them?

Yes! BIte correction stops anytime you stop wearing your bands. Staying consistent keeps your treatment moving and helps avoid delays. 

It’s All Worth It

The bottom line is that wearing your rubber bands is all worth it. With consistent wear, regular appointments, and good braces care, you’re setting yourself up for the healthiest, most confident smile possible. You’re doing your part, we’re doing ours, and together we’re creating a perfect smile to last a lifetime! Call our office at 402-489-8841 to get started with Dr. Willett.