Why do I have to wear rubber bands?
Dr. Donato has prescribed elastics to be worn as part of your orthodontic treatment. Elastics are a very important part of your treatment plan if you would like to have your braces removed on schedule. Elastics move teeth in ways Dr. Donato is not able to do with different archwires. Without proper elastic wear, it is unlikely we will obtain the result that everyone wants!
I can’t remember which teeth they go on!
At your appointment, our staff demonstrated hooking up the elastics. You should have also received an illustration sheet diagramming our instructions. If you have any uncertainty, please call our office immediately. Do not wait until your next appointment to find out that the elastics may have been moving teeth in the wrong direction!
When do I wear them?
Rubber Bands should be worn 24 hours a day, including while eating and sleeping, but remove when brushing. Elastics should be changed once a day. Most patients place a new set on at bedtime. It is ok to also put on a fresh set on at the start of each day if you like.