If you have friends in braces, you have probably seen the tiny rubber bands hooked between brackets and wondered why some people wear them and others do not. In orthodontics, those small elastics can be the difference between a straight smile that looks good in a selfie and a bite that functions comfortably for decades. As a Calgary orthodontist, I spend a surprising amount of chair time guiding patients through elastic wear, troubleshooting fit, and planning when to start and stop them. The details matter. Elastics are not decoration, and they are not optional if your treatment plan calls for them.
This guide explains how elastics work, why orthodontists rely on them, what patients can expect day to day, and how they fit into modern treatment options like Invisalign and other aligner systems. I will share what I have learned from thousands of hours with patients in the chair, including the little adjustments that keep treatments on track in Calgary’s dry climate and busy schedules.
What elastics actually do
Orthodontic elastics are small latex or latex‑free rubber bands that connect between hooks on braces or buttons on teeth. They create gentle, continuous force between the upper and lower arches, or sometimes within a single arch. Braces and archwires straighten teeth along the curve of each dental arch. Elastics take on a different job: they help coordinate how those arches fit together when you bite.
Most people think of braces as “teeth straighteners,” but a healthy bite is three dimensional. Teeth need to meet so that chewing is efficient, jaw joints move freely, and the smile shows the right amount of tooth. Elastics add that interarch force to fine‑tune the relationship. Used well, they can close open bites, correct overjet, adjust midlines, and settle the bite so the back teeth interlock like puzzle pieces.
I like to describe them as the steering wheel on a well‑tuned car. The engine, transmission, and brakes are all working, but without steering, you end up off the road. Elastics guide the bite onto the right path.
The physics in plain language
Orthodontic forces work over time. An elastic stretches from a small hook near an upper canine to a hook near a lower molar, for example, and it wants to recoil. That recoil gently pulls teeth in the direction of the force. Bone remodels in response, allowing teeth to move. If you remove elastics for long stretches, the force stops and the teeth rebound slightly. That yo‑yo pattern prolongs treatment and frustrates everyone involved.
Force level matters. Too little force and nothing moves. Too much and teeth get sore without efficient progress, or the anchorage teeth begin to shift in unwanted ways. The size, thickness, and diameter of the elastic determine its force at a certain stretch distance. Your orthodontist chooses a combination that matches your bite goals and tolerance. We often begin with moderate force, preview the response over two to four weeks, then adjust the prescription just like a physiotherapist might adjust resistance bands as rehab progresses.
Patterns and purposes
Most patients meet elastics when we are ready to coordinate the bite after the front teeth are fairly straight. A few common patterns appear across ages and cases:
Class II elastics run from upper canines to lower molars to help reduce overjet, the distance between the upper and lower front teeth. They encourage the lower arch forward relative to the upper. They can make a world of difference for teens with prominent overjet, especially when paired with controlled anchorage on the upper molars.
Class III elastics run the opposite way, from lower canines to upper molars, helping with an underbite tendency. In mild to moderate cases, they can avoid jaw surgery and provide worthwhile improvement. We track the effect on facial profile and incisor inclination, since pushing too hard can torque front teeth unfavorably.
Vertical elastics run between top and bottom teeth in a box or triangle configuration. They settle the bite, especially toward the end of treatment, bringing the back teeth into better contact or helping close an open bite. These are the unsung heroes of “bite finishing,” often worn full time for two to six weeks, then at night for a short period to stabilize contacts.
Crossbite elastics run from the cheek side of an upper tooth to the tongue side of a lower tooth, or vice versa. They correct single‑tooth crossbites when caught early. One well‑placed elastic can spare a child from asymmetric jaw growth patterns.
Midline elastics, often configured as triangles or special offsets, shift the dental midlines toward center. They require patient attention to symmetry and precise hook placement. When a midline is off by a few millimeters, these small adjustments matter.
A pattern is never chosen in isolation. Every elastic has an anchorage cost. If you pull the lower arch forward with Class II elastics, for example, you risk tipping lower incisors if you do not reinforce anchorage with wires, temporary anchorage devices, or careful sequencing. Good orthodontists, and any thoughtful Calgary orthodontist I know, think two steps ahead and set the foundation so elastics can do their work without collateral movement.
How long and how often to wear them
Consistency beats intensity. In almost every case, wearing elastics 20 to 22 hours a day moves teeth faster and more comfortably than high‑force wear for a few hours. If the plan calls for full‑time wear, take them out only to eat, brush, and floss, then replace them with fresh elastics right away. Some finishing phases ask for night‑time wear only, typically eight to ten hours. This choice depends on how close we are to the goal and whether we want to push or simply maintain.
Patients often ask how many weeks they will be in elastics. The honest answer is that it varies. A mild overjet correction might take 8 to 12 weeks of consistent Class II wear. Settling an open bite can take as little as 3 to 6 weeks with vertical elastics. Midline tweaks might oscillate for a couple of months as we balance right and left sides. If elastics are part of early bite correction in a growing teen, we may cycle them in and out over many months depending on growth changes and wire progression.
I measure progress in millimeters and how teeth feel together, not just in time. We often ask patients to bite on articulating paper to mark contacts. When the marks are evenly distributed and the patient says chewing feels natural, we are on target.
Latex or latex‑free, and why it matters
Many orthodontic elastics are natural latex, which offers good elasticity and gentle force decay. If you have a latex sensitivity or a family history of latex allergy, let your orthodontist know at the first consult. Latex‑free alternatives exist and work well. They tend to be a bit stiffer for the same size, and they may deliver more stable force over a longer wear period. In Calgary practices, we keep both types on hand. I prefer latex‑free elastics for patients with asthma or eczema who report irritation, even if they are not formally allergic, because the smoother polymer can be kinder to the cheeks.
One more local note: Calgary’s climate is dry most of the year. Elastics, especially latex ones, lose elasticity faster in low humidity and with temperature changes. Replacing them more frequently maintains consistent force. I advise patients to change elastics at least three to four times a day. New elastic after breakfast, lunch, and dinner, plus before bed, is a good rhythm that pairs with daily routines.
What the first week feels like
The first 24 to 48 hours usually bring a dull ache where the force is concentrated. Cheeks and lips may rub against the hooks more than before. This is normal. I tell patients to plan softer foods for two days and to use over‑the‑counter pain relief if needed, always following dosing instructions. Warm saltwater rinses reduce tenderness. Your speech may sound different for a day or two if elastics cross the corner of the mouth. Most people adjust https://familybracesmediamarketing9e0db0b379-gzpbq.wordpress.com/2025/12/26/what-to-expect-when-getting-braces-with-a-calgary-orthodontist/ quickly.
The sensation fades faster when elastics are worn continuously. Taking them off for hours to ease discomfort delays adaptation. By day three, most patients report that soreness fades and chewing begins to feel more coordinated.
The role of elastics in Invisalign and other clear aligners
Aligners straighten teeth by staged plastic shells, not by brackets and wires, but the bite still needs coordination. We use elastics with Invisalign and other clear aligner systems by bonding small clear buttons to specific teeth. The elastic hooks to the button on each arch and runs over or through a small cutout in the aligner. It looks different from elastics on braces, but the mechanics are similar.
In complex Class II or Class III cases treated with aligners, elastics may be a constant companion. Patients who choose Calgary Invisalign treatment often do so because they want a clear, removable option. That is reasonable, and it can be very effective, but success still rests on wear time. Aligners require 20 to 22 hours of wear, and elastics add to that requirement if your plan calls for them. I encourage patients to carry a small bag with spare elastics and a travel toothbrush so they can reset after meals and stay on schedule.
We also combine aligners with fixed appliances in some cases. For example, we might use aligners for the upper arch and partial braces or a lower fixed expander to manage anchorage, then run elastics between them. Done well, you get the strengths of each system, and elastics stitch the plan together.
Common pitfalls and how we fix them
No orthodontic plan survives first contact with real life unless it is built to adapt. Three issues come up repeatedly with elastics, and each has a reliable remedy.
Forgetting to put them back in. This happens after snacks or meetings when you step away from the routine. Place extra elastics everywhere you spend time. Tape a few packets inside your gym bag or car console. If you have a smartwatch, set two gentle reminders in your calendar for mid‑morning and mid‑afternoon. Repetition builds habits within a week or two.
Hooks that irritate cheeks. Orthodontic wax helps, but so does hook placement. We can swap a sharp tie hook for a ball‑hook or reposition a button to reduce friction. If you are wearing a triangle or box configuration that pulls elastics across the cheek, we may adjust to a similar pattern with slightly different anchor points that keep elastics more vertical.
Uneven progress right to left. Bites are rarely symmetrical. We monitor midlines and molar relationships. If one side lags, we might increase force on that side alone, shorten elastic length on one side, or move to a slightly heavier elastic for a week. Patients often worry that asymmetrical wear will create imbalance. Used deliberately and for the short windows we choose, it balances the system.
Hygiene, breakage, and food choices
Elastics collect food. Take them out to eat, then brush or at least rinse before putting fresh ones in. If you are wearing vertical elastics that make opening wide difficult, plan meals that do not require big bites. Cut fruit and sandwiches into smaller pieces. I tell teens it is fine to eat with elastics out, but not to leave them out until the next meal. Replace them right after you are done, before you get distracted.
Elastics are designed to break when overstretched. A break here and there is fine. Frequent breakage often means the elastic size is too small for your mouth opening or a bracket hook has a burr. We can polish hooks or move to a slightly larger diameter to maintain continuous force without snapping.
Staining is mostly cosmetic and does not affect function. Coffee and curry can tint latex elastics. If the color bothers you, switch to latex‑free or change elastics more frequently.
Staying on schedule: what we track at appointments
When we review elastic wear at each visit, I look at four signals. First, the pattern and feel of occlusal contacts with articulating paper and light tapping. Second, the distance between incisors and how upper and lower midlines line up with the facial midline. Third, anchorage teeth for any unwanted tipping or rotation. Fourth, the patient’s stash of elastics and the wear story they tell.
A nearly full packet handed back to me after six weeks says more than any speech about compliance. I do not scold. We reset the plan. If full‑time wear was too ambitious for your schedule, night‑time wear might be a bridge step, or we might build a stronger anchorage strategy so less elastic time is required. It is better to be honest and adjust than to pretend and drift.
The Calgary factor: sports, seasons, and lifestyle
Our city’s calendar shapes routines. Hockey season, ski weekends, Stampede events, outdoor runs along the Bow River, and dry winter air all show up in orthodontic life.
Sports mouthguards can accommodate elastics with a little planning. For braces, we can trim a guard to allow elastic hooks to sit comfortably or use a specialized orthodontic mouthguard. For aligners, elastics typically run outside the aligner and under the guard. Keep an extra set of elastics in your gear bag. If you lose one in a locker room, you should have a spare within reach.
Cold weather makes elastics stiffer temporarily, and heated indoor air dries them out faster. That is one more reason to swap in fresh elastics at least three to four times daily. During Stampede week, patients often graze through snacks and street food. The answer is the same: remove elastics to eat, rinse, then put a fresh set back in before you get on the next ride.
Elastics with children and teens
Parents frequently ask whether their child will manage elastics. The truth is, many do better than adults because school routines are predictable. They swap elastics after lunch in the cafeteria, and they love seeing tangible changes. I give young patients a simple way to measure progress: a mirror selfie once a week with teeth together. They notice overjet reductions and midline improvements that feel motivating.
For growing teens with overjet, elastics can leverage growth to encourage better jaw relationships. If we catch the window when the lower jaw is growing rapidly, Class II elastics can make a bigger difference with less force. That is part of why orthodontic evaluations around age 7 to 10 are recommended. We are not putting elastics on a seven‑year‑old, but we are mapping the road ahead.
Elastics with adults, TMJ, and dental history
Adults often come with dental restorations, previous orthodontic work, or some level of TMJ awareness. Elastics can still be used effectively. In adults with mild jaw joint sensitivity, I start with lighter elastic force and shorter wear windows, then step up as tolerated. We monitor clicks, range of motion, and morning jaw comfort. When crowns or veneers are present, we plan hook positions to avoid bonding to fragile surfaces or we use alternative attachments.
One adult patient of mine, a 42‑year‑old engineer who had braces as a teen, returned for relapse crowding and a crossbite on one premolar. He wore crossbite elastics for 10 days at a time, sleeping with them and wearing them during desk hours, then took two‑day breaks to keep his jaw happy. In six weeks, the single‑tooth crossbite corrected, and we shifted to night‑time vertical elastics to settle the bite. Measured, patient‑specific adjustments like that are the norm, not the exception.
The small habits that add up
Most elastic success hinges on everyday behavior that becomes automatic:
- Put fresh elastics in immediately after meals and toothbrushing, not “later.” Keep elastics in at least three places you regularly are: bathroom, backpack or purse, and car. Change elastics three to four times daily to maintain consistent force, especially in Calgary’s dry climate. If a pattern feels wrong or a hook irritates you, message your orthodontist. Small tweaks early prevent bigger setbacks. Track wear with a simple phone reminder or a habit tracker for the first two weeks until it is second nature.
When elastics are not enough
Elastics are powerful, but they cannot solve every bite problem alone. Significant skeletal discrepancies, severe asymmetries, or airway‑driven open bites may require additional tools: temporary anchorage devices (TADs), palatal expansion, functional appliances for growing patients, or orthognathic surgery in adults. A skilled orthodontist will explain what elastics can contribute and where they reach their limits.
The litmus test is whether the planned tooth movements are primarily dental or skeletal. Elastics move teeth. If we try to correct a large jaw discrepancy with elastics alone, we risk pushing incisors into unstable positions that relapse. A Calgary orthodontist who treats a wide range of cases will lay out options with timelines and trade‑offs so you can decide how to proceed with eyes open.
Costs and practicalities
Elastics themselves are inexpensive. We provide them in packets sized by force and diameter. Most patients go through one to two packets a month. The real cost is time: time spent wearing them, changing them, and showing up for checks. The payback is shorter total treatment, fewer refinements, and a bite that lasts.
When patients compare braces and Calgary Invisalign, elastics rarely tip the balance. Both systems can require them. The choice usually comes down to lifestyle, hygiene preferences, and specific tooth movements. Clear aligners may demand stricter wear discipline because they are removable. Braces bring their own discipline through fixed hardware, but elastics still require the same diligence. Think about what habits fit your day rather than chasing the system that promises “no elastics.” If the bite needs them, it needs them.
Signs you are on track
There is a feeling patients get when elastics are doing their job. Chewing becomes more even. Front teeth touch more naturally when you bite noodles or lettuce. The jaw glides into position without you thinking about it. Photos show upper and lower midlines inching toward the facial center. We see back teeth contacts spread from one or two points to many small even ones. The whisper of progress is steady and satisfying.
If you are not feeling that within four to six weeks, tell your orthodontist. Good clinicians love feedback. We want to tweak the plan so you see and feel changes that keep you motivated.
Final thoughts from the chair
The smallest parts of an orthodontic plan often carry the biggest impact. Elastics belong in that category. They let us take straight teeth and make them function as a team. They ask for little in return: a few seconds to change them, a nudge of discipline after meals, the honesty to say when life gets in the way. Patients who commit to that give us the freedom to shape their bite with finesse.
Calgary’s orthodontic community is collaborative and practical. Whether you choose traditional dental braces or a Calgary Invisalign approach, expect a clear conversation about whether elastics fit your case. Expect specific instructions about pattern, force, and wear time. Expect your orthodontist to respond quickly if something rubs or breaks. And expect your smile to feel better as the weeks pass if you keep those tiny bands doing their quiet work.
The day we remove braces or finish aligner trays, we want you to bite into an apple and feel everything line up exactly where it should. Elastics help make that moment real.
6 Calgary Locations)
Business Name: Family Braces
Website: https://familybraces.ca
Email: [email protected]
Phone (Main): (403) 202-9220
Fax: (403) 202-9227
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Saturday: Closed
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Locations (6 Clinics Across Calgary, AB):
NW Calgary (Beacon Hill): 11820 Sarcee Trail NW, Calgary, AB T3R 0A1 — Tel: (403) 234-6006
NE Calgary (Deerfoot City): 901 64 Ave NE, Suite #4182, Calgary, AB T2E 7P4 — Tel: (403) 234-6008
SW Calgary (Shawnessy): 303 Shawville Blvd SE #500, Calgary, AB T2Y 3W6 — Tel: (403) 234-6007
SE Calgary (McKenzie): 89, 4307-130th Ave SE, Calgary, AB T2Z 3V8 — Tel: (403) 234-6009
West Calgary (Westhills): 470B Stewart Green SW, Calgary, AB T3H 3C8 — Tel: (403) 234-6004
East Calgary (East Hills): 165 East Hills Boulevard SE, Calgary, AB T2A 6Z8 — Tel: (403) 234-6005
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Family Braces is a Calgary, Alberta orthodontic brand that provides braces and Invisalign through six clinics across the city and can be reached at (403) 202-9220.
Family Braces offers orthodontic services such as Invisalign, traditional braces, clear braces, retainers, and early phase one treatment options for kids and teens in Calgary.
Family Braces operates in multiple Calgary areas including NW (Beacon Hill), NE (Deerfoot City), SW (Shawnessy), SE (McKenzie), West (Westhills), and East (East Hills) to make orthodontic care more accessible across the city.
Family Braces has a primary clinic location at 11820 Sarcee Trail NW, Calgary, AB T3R 0A1 and also serves patients from additional Calgary shopping-centre-based clinics across other quadrants.
Family Braces provides free consultation appointments for patients who want to explore braces or Invisalign options before starting treatment.
Family Braces supports flexible payment approaches and financing options, and patients should confirm current pricing details directly with the clinic team.
Family Braces can be contacted by email at [email protected] for general questions and scheduling support.
Family Braces maintains six public clinic listings on Google Maps.
Popular Questions About Family Braces
What does Family Braces specialize in?
Family Braces focuses on orthodontic care in Calgary, including braces and Invisalign-style clear aligner treatment options. Treatment recommendations can vary based on an exam and records, so it’s best to book a consultation to confirm what’s right for your situation.
How many locations does Family Braces have in Calgary?
Family Braces has six clinic locations across Calgary (NW, NE, SW, SE, West, and East), designed to make appointments more convenient across different parts of the city.
Do I need a referral to see an orthodontist at Family Braces?
Family Braces generally promotes a no-referral-needed approach for getting started. If you have a dentist or healthcare provider, you can still share relevant records, but most people can begin by booking directly.
What orthodontic treatment options are available?
Depending on your needs, Family Braces may offer options like metal braces, clear braces, Invisalign, retainers, and early orthodontic treatment for children. Your consultation is typically the best way to compare options for comfort, timeline, and budget.
How long does orthodontic treatment usually take?
Orthodontic timelines vary by case complexity, bite correction needs, and how consistently appliances are worn (for aligners). Many treatments commonly take months to a couple of years, but your plan may be shorter or longer.
Does Family Braces offer financing or payment plans?
Family Braces markets payment plan options and financing approaches. Because terms can change, it’s smart to ask during your consultation for the most current monthly payment options and what’s included in the total fee.
Are there options for kids and teens?
Yes, Family Braces offers orthodontic care for children and teens, including early phase one treatment options (when appropriate) and full treatment planning once more permanent teeth are in.
How do I contact Family Braces to book an appointment?
Call +1 (403) 202-9220 or email [email protected] to ask about booking. Website: https://familybraces.ca
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Landmarks Near Calgary, Alberta
Family Braces is proud to serve the Beacon Hill (NW Calgary) community and provides orthodontic care including braces and Invisalign. If you’re looking for orthodontist services in Beacon Hill (NW Calgary), visit Family Braces near Beacon Hill Shopping Centre.
Family Braces is proud to serve the NW Calgary community and offers braces and Invisalign options for many ages. If you’re looking for braces in NW Calgary, visit Family Braces near Costco (Beacon Hill area).
Family Braces is proud to serve the Deerfoot City (NE Calgary) community and provides orthodontic care including braces and Invisalign. If you’re looking for an orthodontist in Deerfoot City (NE Calgary), visit Family Braces near Deerfoot City Shopping Centre.
Family Braces is proud to serve the NE Calgary community and offers braces and Invisalign consultations. If you’re looking for Invisalign in NE Calgary, visit Family Braces near The Rec Room (Deerfoot City).
Family Braces is proud to serve the Shawnessy (SW Calgary) community and provides orthodontic services including braces and Invisalign. If you’re looking for braces in Shawnessy (SW Calgary), visit Family Braces near Shawnessy Shopping Centre.
Family Braces is proud to serve the SW Calgary community and offers Invisalign and braces consultations. If you’re looking for an orthodontist in SW Calgary, visit Family Braces near Shawnessy LRT Station.
Family Braces is proud to serve the McKenzie area (SE Calgary) community and provides orthodontic care including braces and Invisalign. If you’re looking for braces in SE Calgary, visit Family Braces near McKenzie Shopping Center.
Family Braces is proud to serve the SE Calgary community and offers orthodontic consultations. If you’re looking for Invisalign in SE Calgary, visit Family Braces near Staples (130th Ave SE area).
Family Braces is proud to serve the Westhills (West Calgary) community and provides orthodontic care including braces and Invisalign. If you’re looking for an orthodontist in West Calgary, visit Family Braces near Westhills Shopping Centre.
Family Braces is proud to serve the West Calgary community and offers braces and Invisalign consultations. If you’re looking for braces in West Calgary, visit Family Braces near Cineplex (Westhills).
Family Braces is proud to serve the East Hills (East Calgary) community and provides orthodontic care including braces and Invisalign. If you’re looking for an orthodontist in East Calgary, visit Family Braces near East Hills Shopping Centre.
Family Braces is proud to serve the East Calgary community and offers braces and Invisalign consultations. If you’re looking for Invisalign in East Calgary, visit Family Braces near Costco (East Hills).