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Invisalign Elastics:
Do I Need Them?

The Use Of Invisalign Rubber Bands

With clear aligners, Dr. Varun has helped thousands of patients achieve their dream smiles. Aligners are a popular treatment option because they are removable, comfortable, and virtually invisible.

So, it might surprise you if your orthodontist tells you that you will need rubber bands and attachments in addition to your aligners. How important are rubber band elastics for Invisalign? Does Invisalign work without rubber bands and attachments? 

Invisalign Rubber Bands And Attachments: What Are They?

The rubber bands on your Invisalign aligners connect your upper and lower aligners to each other. Either they attach to the Invisalign attachments or to special hooks built into the aligners. 

Attachments for Invisalign are tooth-colored composite buttons that are bonded to your teeth. The buttons are small and barely noticeable. By holding your aligners in place, you can achieve more complex tooth movements, as well as serve as a hook for your Invisalign elastics.

By adding attachments to your aligners, you will enhance their efficiency, which will reduce the length of your treatment.

How Do Rubber Bands Work With Invisalign?

The aligners move the teeth in each arch independently. In many cases, connective forces are needed to shift both sets of teeth into the ideal position in order to also align your bite (the way your upper and lower teeth come together). 

This is where Invisalign rubber bands come into play! The rubber bands act as a connective force. With resistance created between the upper and lower jaw, the pressure guides the jaw into the correct position to correct an overbite, open bite, underbite, or crossbite. 

Can Invisalign function without elastics or attachments? Invisalign does work without attachments or elastics for patients with a healthy bite and very mild crowding or misalignment. However, for most patients, attachments are needed in order to provide the aligners with retention and to apply the right amount of force in the right direction. 

While everyone is unique and we create personalized treatment plans at our practice, many patients will also require Invisalign elastics to ensure that when the teeth are straightened, the bite is also aligned. 

Invisalign elastics are typically worn on either side of the mouth if your bite needs to be aligned. Typically, elastics run from an upper canine, or eyetooth, to a lower molar, though the positioning and size of the elastics will depend on your individual treatment plan. Invisalign buttons and rubber bands are both small and discreet.

Do I Have To Wear My Invisalign Elastics For A Long Time?

Your treatment plan will determine how long you wear your Invisalign elastics. Some patients wear them for their entire Invisalign treatment, while others use them only for part of it. 

Just like your aligners, your Invisalign rubber bands need to be worn 20 to 22 hours per day. You’ll remove them when you take out your aligners, such as to eat or to brush and floss your teeth. Invisalign elastics are even worn at night while you sleep.

Since the Invisalign rubber bands can stretch out as you open and close your mouth to talk, laugh, and yawn, you should not wear them for more than 24 hours at a time. As a matter of fact, in order to keep your rubber bands fresh and effective, it’s a good idea to replace them every time you put your aligners back in after eating, which means changing them three or four times a day. 

What Is The Best Way To Put Rubber Bands On Invisalign?

During treatment, Dr. Varun will explain exactly how to attach rubber bands to your Invisalign. To get started, here is what you need to know:

  • Insert your Invisalign aligners into your mouth.
  • Attach the rubber band to either your top or bottom aligner.
  • With two fingers, grasp the rubber band and stretch it so that it hooks over the tooth in the opposite arch. Do the same on the other side of your mouth.

What Should I Do If My Aligner Hook Or Invisalign Attachment Falls Off?

If the rubber band hook on your aligners or the composite button on your Invisalign aligners falls off, and there is no longer anything to hook your rubber band onto, stop using them. Keep wearing your Invisalign aligners and call our office if anything changes. Your aligner or attachment will be fixed or a replacement aligner will be made.