Orthodontic Elastic Wear Instructions
Elastics are one of the most important components of your orthodontic treatment at CityView Family Dentistry. When worn as directed, elastics are the mechanism that actually moves your teeth into their correct positions. Without consistent wear, treatment progress slows significantly or stops altogether.
Please read and follow these instructions carefully. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to call our Skokie office at (773) 631-5788.
Request an AppointmentHow to Wear Your Elastics
Elastics must be worn faithfully 24 hours a day. They may be removed for breakfast, lunch, and dinner only, and must be replaced immediately after each meal. Every morning after breakfast, discard your old elastics and replace them with a fresh pair — saliva causes elastics to lose their strength after 24 hours, so daily replacement is essential.
We recommend keeping extra elastics in your purse or pocket at all times in case one breaks. Be sure to remember your size so you can request replacements easily. We will gladly mail you new elastics whenever you run low — simply call our office.
What to Expect During Treatment
For approximately the first three days of wearing elastics, your teeth may feel tender due to the pressure. This is completely normal. After those initial days, the tenderness will subside as long as you continue wearing the elastics consistently. You may notice some sensitivity when you first remove the elastics — this is also expected.
Intermittent elastic wear does very little good. When elastics are worn, the bone surrounding your teeth softens to allow movement. If elastics are worn inconsistently, the teeth simply move back and forth without making meaningful progress — similar to a teeter-totter. Consistent wear is the only way to achieve the results your treatment plan is designed to deliver.
Important Reminders
- Wear elastics 24 hours a day, minus a maximum of one hour for eating meals.
- Replace elastics every morning with a fresh pair.
- Always carry spares in case of breakage.
- Remember your elastic size for easy reordering.
- From time to time, Dr. Hann may change the size or placement of your elastics — follow updated instructions carefully.
Your orthodontic outcome depends significantly on your commitment to wearing your elastics as prescribed. Dr. Hann and our team are here to support you throughout your functional orthodontic treatment. If you have concerns or questions about your progress, please reach out to us at (773) 631-5788.
Frequently Asked Questions About Orthodontic Elastics
How many hours a day should I wear my elastics?
Elastics should be worn 24 hours a day, with removal limited to a maximum of one hour for eating meals. Consistent wear is essential for treatment progress.
When should I change my elastics?
Replace your elastics every morning after breakfast. Saliva weakens elastics after 24 hours, so daily replacement ensures they maintain the proper tension needed to move your teeth.
What happens if I don’t wear my elastics consistently?
Inconsistent wear significantly slows or stalls treatment. The bone softens to allow tooth movement while elastics are worn, but if they’re removed frequently, the teeth shift back and forth without making real progress.
My teeth are sore — is that normal?
Yes, some tenderness during the first three days of wearing elastics is completely normal. After that initial period, the soreness typically subsides as long as you keep wearing them consistently.
What do I do if my elastics break or I run out?
Always carry a few spare elastics with you. If you run out, call our office at (773) 631-5788 and we’ll mail you a new supply. Be sure to know your elastic size.
Will elastics affect my orthodontic treatment timeline?
Absolutely. Elastics are a critical part of moving your teeth and achieving your planned outcome. Consistent compliance can keep your treatment on schedule, while poor compliance can extend treatment time considerably.
Can I ask Dr. Hann about my elastic wear at my next appointment?
Yes, always. Dr. Hann and our team review your progress at each visit and will update your elastic instructions as needed throughout your orthodontic treatment.