Elastics Power

Stormberg Orthodontics is your best choice for a La Mesa orthodontist that also serves the San Diego area. We look forward to working with you during your orthodontic treatment. Wearing rubber bands, also known as elastics, is part of what gives your orthodontic treatment the power to create a beautiful new smile. Please read and carefully follow these dental instructions.

Proper Elastic Placement

The diagram given to you at your appointment shows how the elastics should be worn on your braces. Wearing these elastics, as Dr. Stormberg has prescribed, will continue to further your success during your treatment towards a beautiful, new smile in a timely manner. So make sure you remember which teeth they connect to refer to the chart below for placement.

Wear Them 24/7

Your elastics should be worn all of the time, except when you eat, brush, floss, or when you wear a mouthguard. You should replace the elastics with new elastics after any of these activities. You will likely replace the rubber bands up to four to six times per day.  If you are running low on your supply of rubber bands (only ½ bag left), please call our office, and we can mail them to you, or you can stop by the office, and they will be ready for you at the front desk.

Tenderness

As with any orthodontic adjustment, your teeth may be tender or sore from wearing the elastics, but it’s very important to keep them on. If needed, take an over-the-counter pain reliever following the instructions on the bottle. The discomfort will be gone in a few days, and you will be closer to a great result.