What Do Rubber Bands Do for Braces?
Orthodontists can straighten your teeth and adjust your bite using several appliances. Fixed metal braces and detachable clear aligners are two of the most popular orthodontic appliances. However, these appliances occasionally require a little extra assistance to achieve the intended outcomes. As such, we’ll explore what rubber bands do for braces.
What do rubber bands with braces mean?
Other bands that may be used in combination with braces are frequently referred to as rubber bands or elastics.
They are officially referred to as interarch bands. These are often used for a range of functions and can be positioned in various ways on the braces. They are sometimes inserted straight down from the top tooth to the tooth beneath, although they are frequently placed at an angle. This is entirely up to your provider’s decision, and you may even encounter elastics at various points throughout your braces trip.
The elastics are often made of medical-grade latex that is safe to use around the mouth, but latex-free variants are also available — and no, these are not your typical elastic bands or hair bands.
Why use rubber bands with braces?
Rubber bands are commonly used in orthodontics to align your bite and are crucial in the bite-fixing phase of therapy. If you’re wearing transparent aligners, the bands slip over tiny hooks on the top and bottom of the aligners or over small clear buttons affixed to a few teeth.
These little elastics, if worn regularly, will exert the gentle pressure necessary to move teeth into their proper positions. Some patients may not require elastics depending on their tooth alignment and what the orthodontist recommends to the patient and their parents based on the treatment plan and the model of the teeth.
If you look into elastics more, you’ll find that they come in a variety of different lengths and sizes. You can use some of these items in different sizes. It’s all a matter of preference.
Read More: Types of Rubber Brands for Braces and Their Functions
Rubber bands are available in a wide range of widths, strengths, and materials, making them extremely versatile. Depending on the treatment strategy, they can be arranged in various configurations. In the event that rubber bands are required for your braces, make sure you adhere strictly to your orthodontist’s wear recommendations. This can help your treatment go as planned.
Needing an orthodontic appointment? Visit Kumra Orthodontics Washington DC or Kumra Orthodontics Stafford, VA, and request an appointment with us!
Other considerations
How much more difficult will it be to add on a few rubber bands for those who have spent time and money on braces? Over time, anyone with a dental issue will appreciate the decision to use rubber bands on their braces.
Rubber bands for orthodontic treatment can be worn in various patterns and directions to correct a variety of bite issues. Your orthodontist will give you detailed instructions on putting your rubber bands on your braces.
Related: A Helpful Guide on How to Fix Underbites
You should ask your orthodontist to repeat the instructions for using rubber bands if you don’t understand them the first time. Put rubber bands on your braces, and you’ll do it automatically after some practice.
Maintenance
You should remove your elastics only when you brush, floss, and put fresh elastics in, and very rarely while you eat unless you are specifically told to remove them. It’s best to keep your elastics in throughout meals and swap them out with new ones afterward. As a result of the rubber bands being put to use, your teeth will move even faster while you eat!
When you’re eating a large meal, you may need to remove them, even though we encourage you to keep them in if possible, especially when snacking. Wearing them to bed is also a good idea. We have provided you with a packet of new elastics, which you should use every day. Keep your elastics in as long as you’re not doing sports and don’t require a mouthguard. Afterward, reinsert the elastics in your mouthguard.
Even if your elastics are not broken, you should change them at least every 12 hours because they lose their elasticity and strength with time. It may take a few days to become used to putting in your elastics, and you may need to practice in front of a mirror at first, but with enough time, you’ll be able to do it without looking. If you lose or run out of elastics, call or email the office of your orthodontist.
Depending on your child’s teeth and jaw alignment, rubber bands may or may not be necessary. You needn’t be concerned if your orthodontist suggests them. However, while having rubber bands in your mouth may be a bit unnerving, they’re quite simple to put in and take out and will help you get a better smile sooner.
Contact Kumra Ortho to learn more about elastics for braces
An orthodontic rubber band is an essential step toward a beautiful, straight smile. If you’re apprehensive about receiving rubber bands for the first time, that’s understandable. After a short adjustment period, your orthodontist anticipates that you will barely notice the rubber bands as they strive to straighten your teeth and align your jaw.
