How often should i change the elastics of my braces? i was told to only change them when they broke, but read it's best to change at least once a day?

Orthodontist: Talk to your orthodontist about this. They should give you a schedule for changing your rubber bands.

Rubber bands: for the orthodontic treatment are very important. For the best outcome wear your rubber bands 24 hours per day, 7 days per week. Make sure to change them after each meal. Remove them only for brushing and flossing and replace them immediately. Rec.: talk to your orthodontist for more information.

2x/day: When rubber bands were really rubber, they quickly lost stretch insets, requiring frequent replacement. Today's latex elastics work longer. But to work, they have to be worn. That means 24 hrs/day, including while eating. Elastics should be removed only to clean teeth, 2x/day, and therefore replaced 2x/day.

Every day: feel free to change every day. There is no need to conserve them and it is more hygienic to change

Every Day: Latex rubber absorbs water from your saliva and becomes weak. If you don't change them they won't move your teeth as fast as they should. Your braces will have to stay on longer. I always tell my patients to change elastic a once a day or right away if they break.