Braces Rubber Bands 101: How Elastics Move Your Bite (and How to Wear Them Right)

If you or your child has braces, you’ve probably heard about rubber bands (elastics). They’re an essential orthodontic appliance for many patients — and they’re not the same as the colorful ligatures that hold wires to brackets with traditional braces.

Braces rubber bands help to move your teeth and correct problems with your bite. If rubber bands are a part of your braces treatment plan, we’ll tell you everything you need to know about them when you get started.

But for now — let’s talk about what they do, how they work, and how you can wear them for a successful smile transformation:

TLDR: How Do Braces Rubber Bands Work?

• Braces rubber bands (also called elastics) help correct bite alignment, teeth spacing, and other orthodontic issues. There are different types of elastics strengths, and different ways to wear them, to correct different bites.
• Every patient’s treatment plan is unique — Dr. Matsumoto is your board-certified Porters Neck, Wilmington, orthodontist, and he’ll guide you! Wearing elastic rubber bands with braces as instructed is crucial to avoid treatment delays. Your treatment will be a success if you follow our tips and instructions!
• Book a consultation with Matsumoto Orthodontics & Periodontics if you’re looking for or considering braces (or Invisalign®, MARPE or MSE palatal expansion) in Porters Neck, Wilmington, NC. We’re here to help you achieve your best smile!

What Are Braces Rubber Bands?

Braces rubber bands, also known as orthodontic rubber bands, are small elastic bands that are stretched over hooks attached to your braces brackets.

But what do braces rubber bands do?

They work alongside your wires and brackets to apply extra pressure where it’s needed most. This helps correct overbites, underbites, crossbites, and guide teeth that are out of place when archwires alone aren’t enough.

Different Types of Braces Elastics

There are different braces elastics types with varying strengths, designs, and uses. The good news is, you don’t need to worry about which type you’ll need! Our team will guide you, explain how they work, and provide the elastics that fit your custom treatment plan.

But if you’re curious about the different types, they include:

• Class 1 Elastics: Used for small adjustments, like closing gaps between teeth. These rubber bands are used between teeth on the same arch, either upper or lower.
• Class 2 Elastics: Used to correct an overbite. The elastics stretch from an upper front tooth (usually canine) to a lower back tooth (molar or premolar) to guide the top teeth back and the bottom teeth forward.
• Class 3 Elastics: Used to correct an underbite. The rubber bands run from a lower front tooth to an upper back tooth to guide the bottom teeth back and the upper teeth forward.
• Cross Elastics: Used to correct a crossbite. The elastics stretch diagonally from upper to lower teeth to adjust the bite.
• Vertical Elastics: Used to correct an open bite. Elastics are placed vertically between the top and bottom teeth to help them meet properly.

There are many different types of orthodontic elastics, each with a specific purpose in helping teeth and jaws fit together properly.

How Do Braces Rubber Bands Work?

Orthodontic elastics are used to treat various issues, including bite problems, spacing, and tooth position. But how do they work?

Braces rubber bands create a constant, gentle pressure that moves your teeth and jaw into the desired position. Once you start wearing them, you’ll feel them working right away — and a little soreness just means your teeth are moving!

At Matsumoto Orthodontics & Periodontics, Dr. Matsumoto personalizes each patient’s treatment depending on the bite issues or other concerns that need to be corrected. If you follow his instructions, you may start to see results in just a few weeks.

Remember, the success of your treatment depends on how consistently you wear your elastics. The more you stick with it, the quicker and better your results will be. Keep reading to find out how to wear your rubber bands properly!

How to Wear Braces Rubber Bands Correctly

The most important part of wearing braces rubber bands is following your treatment plan closely. They’ll show you exactly how to put them on, how long to wear them each day, and share tips to make it easier.

Consistency is key! Try not to skip days, and be sure to change your rubber bands regularly. The more consistent you are, the faster you’ll see results — and the less time you’ll need to wear them overall.
We’ll show you how to wear rubber bands on braces for overbite, underbite or other correction — but here’s how you’ll hook them:

Steps for Putting on Rubber Bands:

1. Hook the elastic onto the top attachment (usually on an upper tooth).
2. Stretch the elastic down toward the lower teeth.
3. Loop it around the lower hook to secure it in place.
4. Repeat on the other side if your orthodontist instructed both sides.

Extra Tips:

• If you have trouble using your fingers, ask for a special elastic hook tool — it makes placement much easier.
• Some types of rubber bands, like cross elastics, can be trickier to place. Don’t hesitate to ask us to show you again if you’re unsure.

Your Questions About Braces Rubber Bands: Answered

It’s normal to have some questions about rubber bands. Check out these FAQs — and as always, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at (910) 726-1000 with any questions!

How often should I change my rubber bands on braces?

Elastics stretch out from talking, opening your mouth, and everyday wear, so after a few hours, they stop working as effectively. (The same way a regular rubber band stretches out over time!)

It’s best to change them at least 3–4 times a day — usually every time you eat, brush your teeth, and before bed. Fresh elastics keep steady pressure on your teeth, which helps your treatment stay on track and move along faster. Don’t worry, we’ll give you plenty!

Can you eat with braces rubber bands in?

Most patients remove their rubber bands to eat, unless your orthodontist gives you different instructions. Just be sure to put a fresh set on right after your meal so your treatment stays on track.

How long do you have to wear rubber bands for overbite?

As with any bite condition we’re correcting, it depends on the severity of your overbite. Your orthodontist will give you a timeframe of how long you’ll likely need to wear rubber bands — but consistency makes all the difference.
If you skip wearing them or don’t change them often enough, you may need to wear them longer.

Do braces rubber bands hurt?

At first you might experience some soreness, but it should subside after a few days of wear. You can take an over-the-counter pain medication, like acetaminophen (Tylenol®), a cold compress, or a warm salt water rinse to help ease discomfort.

• Fun fact: Did you know that taking ibuprofen (like Advil®) regularly can actually slow down your orthodontic treatment? Because it reduces inflammation, it can also reduce tooth movement. Acetaminophen, like Tylenol®, is best!

How do you manage elastics at school or work?

Always carry extras with you — you’ll receive a bunch from us! Keeping a small mirror on hand can make changing them out easier when you’re on the go. Practicing at home will also help you get faster and more confident, so it feels comfortable no matter where you are.

What happens if you don’t wear your braces elastics?

Skipping elastics or not changing them often enough can significantly delay your treatment. That means more time in braces and slower results. If your elastics keep breaking or feel too painful, let Dr. Matsumoto know — we’ll help you find a solution.

EmBRACE your beautiful new smile!

Braces rubber bands may be small, but they play a big role in helping you achieve your best smile. The key to faster, more successful treatment is teamwork — when you wear your elastics as instructed, you’ll see results more quickly and keep your treatment on track.

At Matsumoto Orthodontics & Periodontics, we make it simple for our community to smile with confidence. Dr. Matsumoto brings a holistic treatment approach.

Whatever your smile goals or needs may be, we have a solution for you. Dr. Matsumoto is nationally recognized for his expertise in early intervention, skeletal development, soft tissue management, and modern orthodontic and periodontal techniques.

Just schedule a consultation with us, bring your smile to our Wilmington orthodontic office (at Porters Neck) and we’ll create a personalized treatment plan that results in a beautiful smile and a better quality of life.

We serve families in Porters Neck, Ogden, Bayshore, Kings Grant, Murrayville, Wrightsboro, Hightsville, Castle Hayne, Kirkland, Skippers Corner, Hampstead, Scotts Hill, Figure Eight Island, Raleigh, Surf City and more. We also see patients who travel to us from across the country for Dr. Matsumoto’s expertise!