My dentist told me to put an elastic band on one side of my braces during daytime and to put the elastic bands on both sides at night. is this normal?

Depends on ur bite: If there is some confusion and you are not sure of the instructions that were given to you, please ask your orthodontist to explain them once again.

Yes: What you describe is not unusual. If you are not sure about the instructions, ask your treating General Dentist or Orthodontic Specialist.

Of course: Your dentist or orthodontist will prescribe a bands protocol specific for your individual needs.