They help to move the teeth and jaws into alignment. Orthodontic elastic bands are special rubber bands that your orthodontist attaches to small hooks on both your upper and lower braces. However, the main rubber bands we discuss in this article are bigger and are added to your orthodontic treatment to help straighten your teeth and align your bite. What are orthodontic elastic bands for braces? Why do rubber bands on braces hurt so much?īefore we jump to what these orthodontic elastic bands are, let’s get started with how braces work and where rubber bands fit into the equation.When do you start wearing rubber bands for braces?.Are there different types of rubber bands for braces?.So, if you’re getting elastic bands for braces, or you already have them and want to know more, this article will answer the following questions. While many people know you can get colorful braces, they don’t always associate the colors with a type of orthodontics elastic band.Įven fewer people realize that your dentist or orthodontist will use rubber bands to help your fixed braces apply more pressure to your teeth and bite to align your smile. If you are getting traditional braces, you can expect brackets and wires attached to your teeth, but at some point, you will also need elastic bands for braces.