I've been wearing these orthodontic elastics for a couple months now to fix my bite, and lately they've been snapping like crazy. It's getting kinda annoying tbh. Like yesterday, I was just talking to my friend and POP—there goes another one. Not exactly the coolest look mid-conversation, you know? 😅
I asked my ortho about it last time, and he just said it's normal and gave me more elastics. But idk, feels like maybe I'm doing something wrong or there's a trick to make them last longer? Or maybe there's a better brand or something that's stronger but still comfy enough to wear all day?
If anyone's dealt with this before or has some tips on how to stop these little rubber demons from snapping every five minutes, I'd really appreciate it. Getting tired of constantly replacing them and worrying they'll snap at the worst possible moment (like in class or something...ugh).
I totally get the frustration—had the same issue myself. But honestly, sometimes elastics snapping frequently can mean they're actually doing their job (annoying as it is). Maybe double-check you're not overstretching them when putting them on? Just a thought...
My daughter had the same problem a few months back. Turned out she was stretching them way too far when putting them on—didn't even realize until I watched her do it. Maybe just ease up a bit when hooking them on...? Worked for us.
Hmm, stretching them too far might be part of it, but honestly, I've had braces twice now (once as a teen, and again recently for some adjustments), and these rubber bands can snap even if you're careful. Sometimes it's not just about how far you're stretching them, but also the brand or type your orthodontist provides. Last year, I kept having issues with bands snapping constantly. I was convinced I was doing something wrong until I mentioned it at my check-in. Turns out, some batches can be weaker or defective. They switched me to a slightly thicker, higher-quality band, and the snapping stopped almost completely. So it could be worth mentioning to your orthodontist at your next visit—sometimes it's really not user error, just the materials themselves.
The previous reply makes a good point about the quality of elastics. I've seen this happen quite a bit, and it's usually not something you're doing wrong. Elastics can snap for a few reasons—sometimes it's just a weaker batch, or it could be friction from brackets or hooks causing tiny tears that eventually snap.
One thing you might try is checking the hooks or brackets where you attach the elastics. Sometimes there's a rough edge or sharp spot that's causing extra wear. If you notice anything like that, your orthodontist can smooth it out pretty quickly.
Also, make sure you're changing them regularly. Elastics lose elasticity over time, and older ones are more prone to snapping. Usually, changing them at least 2-3 times a day helps keep them fresh and reduces snapping.
If none of that helps, definitely bring it up again at your next appointment. Your ortho might have other brands or thicknesses available, as mentioned earlier. It's worth trying a different type to see if it makes things easier for you.
