The purpose of wearing elastics is to move the teeth so that they will fit together better, thus improving the occlusion (bite). It is important to have a good occlusion because this will give you a more stable result.

The elastics are to be worn FULLTIME, 24 hours a day, unless specifically instructed to do otherwise. The elastics may be removed to eat, but it is not absolutely necessary to do so. We advise patients to place the elastics on their little finger at meals, as a reminder to put the elastics back on the braces. The elastics are to be changed daily for the best results. More frequent changes per day will not benefit treatment.

Research shows that teeth begin to move after wearing elastics for 10 continuous hours, without a break of more than 30 minutes. That means, if you wear the elastics 6 hours, then take the elastics off for an hour, you will have lost the effect of those 6 hours of wearing elastics.