Question:
Hello Rabbi,
I am currently wearing braces. Aside from just the braces, I also have to wear elastics/rubber bands over some of my teeth to shift them in the right direction. The elastics are worn all day.
Is there any problem in wearing these elastics in an area not enclosed by an eruv on shabbos.
Thank you,
Answer:
It is permitted for you to walk outside with them while they are in your mouth. The reason is because it can be considered helping you physically, and is therefore considered a taschsit, (an accessory to the body) and permitted. If however you will be embarrassed to be seen this way, then it would be problematic, however since you wear them all week long in public, that doesn’t seem to be a problem.
Best wishes
Sources:
O:CH 301-25, Shmiras Shabbos Khilchos 34- 29 ftnt. 115, Ohr L’tzion 2-23 (10), Orchos Shabbos 28- 132, Mesoras Moshe 1- 188, Rivivos Efrayim 8-575.
