Purpose Of Rubber Bands In Braces

People with braces have had experience with rubber bands that keep their alignment in place. If you wear rubber bands with braces, it’s most likely that they improve the fit of both your upper and lower teeth and jaws. Here’s everything you need to know about rubber bands in braces. 

How Do Rubber Bands Work In Braces?

Also referred to as elastics, rubber bands are used to apply increased force on some specific areas in your mouth. With the help of rubber bands, your dentist connects the brackets that are positioned in many conformations. Small metal hooks on the bracket are attached and secured to ensure proper teeth alignment. These rubber bands tend to pull your jaw forward and backward, which is dependent on the movement that needs to be achieved for alignment. 

How Long Do You Wear Rubber Bands For Braces?

You need to wear rubber bands on braces for a timespan of 6-8 months. In the course of this time, you need to wear the elastics for 24 hours a day, unless your dentist advises you to do otherwise. When you brush your teeth, you need to remove them and then get them back again after brushing. 

What’s The Purpose Of Rubber Bands In Braces?

The primary purpose of rubber bands in braces is responsible for improve your lower and upper teeth. It also helps in improving your biting pattern largely. Braces usually consist of brackets and wires, which work by gentle application of pressure to the teeth. It’s with this pressure that your teeth move into the correct position. In most cases, rubber bands are used for applying additional pressure that is required for moving your teeth. Using elastics in braces is capable of speeding up the moving and straightening process, which is an important part of this dental method. Apart from this, it’s also important to change your elastics at least thrice a day every 12 hours as they lose their elasticity after a while. 

Benefits Of Having Rubber Bands In Braces 

People with crowded teeth require braces and rubber bands with it. The benefit of having rubber bands in braces is that it helps in getting extra force for moving teeth. Braces cannot independently align your severely crooked teeth, for which dentists suggest the use of rubber bands. It’s said that the use of these elastics is responsible for speeding up the alignment process, thereby giving you a bright and shining smile. 

Do Rubber Bands Move Your Teeth Or Jaw?

It’s undeniable that rubber bands act as an important part of dental treatment for malocclusion. Braces and rubber bands are capable of providing the necessary force that helps in moving the teeth and jaw into proper alignment. Rubber bands are used to help the adjustment of different types of misaligned jaws. 

Do’s And Don’ts Of Rubber Bands 

Do’s 

• Wear your elastics more as it is better for your teeth and shifts your teeth largely. 
• Get proper instructions from your dentist and wear them appropriately.
• Make sure that you are carrying additional rubber bands and elastics in case of emergencies.

Don’ts

• Try not to double up your elastics, which might damage your roots. 
• Don’t overstretch the bands as it might turn ineffective on your braces. 

Elastic bands used in orthodontic treatment aid in bite alignment and the straightening of teeth. So, now you understand the function of these elastic bands. If you have undergone orthodontic treatment, you are likely familiar with the importance of these bands. Before starting orthodontic treatment, it is crucial to consult your dentist for proper guidance.