Looking after your oral hygiene is super important when you have braces, including braces with elastic bands. Between visits to your orthodontist, there are some things you can do to maintain a healthy smile on the inside and out!
What is oral hygiene?
Oral hygiene is the overall healthiness of your mouth, teeth and gums. When you have braces, good oral hygiene can help protect your teeth from stains, and reduce the likelihood of bad breath or gum disease. It’s important to look after your oral hygiene at any stage of your life, but especially when undergoing orthodontic treatment such as braces treatment. This includes brushing your teeth and flossing between your teeth and braces, as well as changing your elastic bands (if using) regularly.
What are elastic bands?
Elastic bands are used to align your bite. Made from medical grade latex, these rubber bands gently apply pressure to your teeth, gradually moving them into the desired position. This occurs in a specific direction, to ensure the essential movements take place.
How do you replace elastic bands?
This is different for everyone, depending on the severity and type of malocclusion. Your specialist orthodontist will demonstrate how to wear the elastics as well as how to replace them. These instructions will usually include attaching the rubber bands to hooks on your braces in a particular direction, that will help move your teeth into the correct position.
How often do I need to replace my elastic bands?
You will need to wear your elastics for close to 24 hours a day, but may be removed while you eat and clean your teeth. We know this is a big commitment, however your full co-operation is required to get the best result. Your orthodontist will usually recommend replacing your rubber bands a few times per day, so the elastics do not lose their strength and elasticity. You can change your elastics after every meal, and before bed, that way you can get into a routine and won’t forget to change them.
How do I hygienically change my elastics?
While it is always important to wash your hands before touching your face, this becomes even more important when you have to change your elastics multiple times a day. Before removing your elastics, please ensure that you wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds and brush your teeth. If a sink is not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitiser is used to ensure your hands do not have any bacteria on them.
How do I replace elastic bands?
This is different for everyone, depending on the severity and type of malocclusion. Your specialist orthodontist will demonstrate how to wear the elastics as well as how to replace them. These instructions will usually include attaching the rubber bands to hooks on your braces in a particular direction, that will help move your teeth into the correct position.
What happens if I snap an elastic?
Don’t panic, this is a fairly common occurrence. Simply wash your hands, brush your teeth and change your elastics as soon as you can, to ensure your treatment continues to progress. A handy hint is to keep a spare bag of elastics in your bag to access on the go.
If you require elastics, wearing these rubber bands faithfully and correctly will be vital to the success of your treatment. If any appointments are cancelled, your orthodontist may need to change how much or the direction that you wear your elastics.
If you have any concerns about your teeth or how you are wearing your elastics during this time, just take a quick photo of your mouth with your elastics in and send it to your orthodontic practice. Your specialist orthodontist will know what to do and will be in contact with you to ensure that your treatment stays on track.
For more information, speak to your trusted orthodontist. Find your nearest orthodontist online.
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