Elastic/Rubber Band Wear Post Jaw Surgery
Elastics are to be worn 24-HOURS PER DAY for the first two weeks after surgery without removal.
From 2-4 weeks after surgery – you can wear them for 21 hours a day, unless otherwise instructed.
From 4-6 weeks after surgery – you can wear them for 18 hours a day (one hour off at breakfast, lunch and dinner: have your meal, practice good oral hygiene and do some jaw opening exercises).
After about 6-8 weeks – the elastics may be worn for 12 hours a day or this may be individualized, or your orthodontist will provide a different prescription.
Consistent elastic wear is one of the most critical determinants of whether treatment is completed on time. Elastics lose their effectiveness over a short period of time, so it is important to change your elastics every third day with new ones. Use tweezers at first to place them. Included in this brochure are images and descriptions of the various elastic patterns your may be instructed to wear.
Tips for Success
- Always carry a pack of elastics in your pocket so you will always have them wherever you go
- Part-time wear will not work in correcting the bite. The longer you wear the elastics, the quicker the braces come off…
- If you break or lose an elastic, replace both elastics immediately and do not panic.
The Purpose of Elastics
ELASTICS (aka Rubber Bands) allow for upper and lower teeth to move into alignment. After surgery the teeth and bone will shift a small amount, and the muscles will pull the jaws into different positions. A shift in the bite is to be expected and the use of elastics, connected to specific teeth, will help prevent unwanted changes.
What to Expect
Wearing elastics will initially make your teeth sore. This soreness will go away with continuous wear after a couple of days. You may also develop pain in the joint in front of your ears (the TMJ) and if this is not relieved by heat and some Tylenol/Advil, then it may be the stress of the elastics so you may remove them for a 24 hour relief period.