Save 10,000 CZK on braces!
Save 10,000 CZK on braces!
Save 10,000 CZK on braces!
Anyone who comes in for a free consultation and begins treatment between February 9 and March 2, 2026, will receive a discount on braces.
If you’re planning to wear braces, you’ll be using all sorts of different types of elastics in your mouth. In this article, we’ll introduce them and explain their purpose. Are they really necessary? Does it hurt to put them in? And why is it important to wear them consistently? Read on and—thanks to us—be 100% ready for braces.
Let’s start by defining these terms.
About 3–7 days before you receive your fixed braces, you may have an appointment with your orthodontist to have rubber bands placed in front of the braces, known as “separation rubber bands.” These are inserted between the molars and serve to prepare the teeth for the metal braces. Separator elastics are not necessary in all cases. Their use depends on several factors, such as the condition of the dental arch, the planned course of treatment, or the specific type of braces. However, they can be a useful aid in treatment with fixed braces.Â
How exactly do the rubber bands prepare the teeth? They help your teeth move slightly apart—creating space for the future placement of orthodontic brackets.
Orthodontic treatment isn’t just about straightening individual teeth —it’s also about properly aligning the entire bite. And this is where intermaxillary elastics (also known as “braces elastics”) come into play. This type of elastic is typically introduced during the course of treatment, often after several weeks or months.
These elastics apply gentle, continuous pressure that helps correct the relationship between the upper and lower jaws. Your dentist will show you exactly where to place the elastics—depending on the specific problem, they need to be attached to different teeth. They are usually attached to special hooks (such as buttons or clasps).
Recommended reading: Overbite, Underbite, Crossbite, and Deep BiteÂ
And then there’s a third type of elastic—known as ligatures—which are used with fixed braces. The orthodontist threads these small, inconspicuous elastics around each bracket on the tooth, and their main purpose is to hold the wire in place. It is precisely this wire that gradually moves the teeth—and without ligatures, the entire system would not hold together.
In addition to their practical function, ligatures also serve an aesthetic purpose. Most patients can choose their color, which effectively influences the color of their braces. If you’re not afraid to show off your braces to the world, ligatures can add a touch of personality and playfulness to your smile . You can change your color choice at every visit to the orthodontist.
Want to avoid wearing rubber bands? Choose invisible braces. With them, you’ll avoid having to wear separation rubber bands before the braces are fitted, as well as ligatures around the brackets.
Many clients ask if they “really have to wear them.” The answer is yes, you do, if your doctor prescribes them.
If you don't wear your rubber bands consistently, you could end up
This is because teeth only remember the movement when constant pressure is applied. As soon as you stop using the rubber bands, the teeth will partially shift back.Â
Fun fact: This is one of the reasons why you need to continue wearing removable braces —or a retainer—after your orthodontic treatment is complete.
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We will scan your teeth, suggest a treatment and price.
This brings us to one of the most important aspects: consistency. To achieve the desired result, it is essential to:
Every day without your elastics means a day’s delay in treatment. It’s also worth noting that without your cooperation, the braces won’t work the way you or your dentist would like them to. And you’ll just be wasting your time and money.
Recommended Reading: Braces: How Much Do They Cost and How Long Does Treatment Take?
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You will have the separation elastics placed approximately 3–7 days before your scheduled start of treatment with fixed braces.
It only takes a few minutes to install the separator bands.
Since wearing these rubber bands is supposed to move the teeth, it can be painful. However, this varies greatly from person to person. Our client Jana, whose son has fixed braces, said:
“My son has had fixed braces since last fall, so he also had to have separation elastics fitted. At the orthodontist’s office, they warned us that it might be very painful and that I should use pain relievers if necessary. However, it didn’t hurt my son at all.”
No, separation elastics are not used with Invisalign clear aligners because they do not require metal bands to be placed on the molars.
No, you cannot put the separation bands on yourself—they must always be applied by an orthodontist in their office to ensure they are properly positioned and secure.
It’s normal for the separation rubber band to fall out —don’t panic. In some cases, this means it has already created enough space between your teeth. Still, it’s important to let your orthodontist know—they can decide whether the rubber band needs to be reinserted or if it has already served its purpose. Never try to reinsert it yourself at home.
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Rubber bands on braces help:
Their effect is irreplaceable —no other component of braces can perform this function as effectively.
When the rubber bands are applied, you may feel gentle pressure or a pulling sensation— sometimes mild pain—but this usually subsides within 1–2 days. This pressure is precisely what helps move your teeth. You can alleviate any discomfort by, for example, eating soft foods (soups, porridge, pasta) or taking pain relievers.
Reading tip: How to relieve tooth pain when wearing braces? Â
Yes, even during treatment with clear aligners (Invisalign), it may be necessary to use elastic bands. In such cases, small buttons are bonded to certain teeth, and the elastic bands are hooked between the upper and lower jaws.
This preserves the aesthetic appeal of the treatment while effectively addressing bite issues.
Usually several weeks to months —depending on the extent of the bite correction. Sometimes they are also used at the end of treatment.
Yes, you apply the intermaxillary bands yourself—following your orthodontist’s precise instructions. Your orthodontist will show you which teeth to attach them to and how often to change them. It is important to follow their instructions; otherwise, the treatment may not be effective.
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It may sound like a small detail—but the various elastics used with braces are crucial to the success of the entire treatment. They aren’t just an accessory; they’re often a key tool for achieving a proper bite and a beautiful smile.
Do you have braces, or are you thinking about getting them? Come see us for a free, no-obligation consultation —we’ll perform a 3D scan of your teeth, assess the condition of your bite, and tell you everything you can expect.Â
Schedule a free consultation and learn everything about your future treatment.
