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Elastics
Elastics: the parent guide
Braces straighten. Elastics set the bite. How to make the daily change a habit rather than a battle.
Written by the team at Milk Orthodontics
The wire lines the teeth up, but the elastics decide how the top and bottom actually meet. They only move things while they are in, which is where a little backup at home makes all the difference. This stage is the one most often stretched by weeks of half-wear, and the one where a quiet routine at home shortens treatment most.
What good wear looks like
- In 24 hours a day, unless your orthodontist says otherwise.
- Out only for meals and toothbrushing.
- A fresh pair at least once a day.
How to help at home
- Keep spare packs in the school bag, bathroom and car.
- Tie the daily change to a routine, like brushing at night.
- Low-key reminders beat nagging; the goal is habit.
- Take a photo of the pattern we drew, so anyone at home can check the hooks.
Completely normal
- Tender teeth for the first two to three days; it settles.
- A slight lisp or extra saliva on day one.
- A mild ache after a pattern change means they are working.
- The odd snapped band. A new one goes on.
Message us if
- They are running low on bands; we will sort more.
- A hook or bracket breaks, or bands keep snapping.
- Discomfort lasts beyond a few days.
- And please: never double up unless we have said to.
Call us on (09)520 1880 or email hello@milkorthodontics.co.nz.
Common questions
They take them out at school and forget. What helps?
A pack in the pencil case and a rule of "back on before you leave the table". Most teenagers manage it within a week once it is tied to lunch rather than left to memory.
Does night-only wear count?
Only if we have said so. Most patterns need full-time wear; night-only does about a third of the work and the stage drags on for months.
Steady wear at home is what finishes the smile. Thanks for being on the team.
Last reviewed August 2026