If you have misaligned teeth, braces are a great way for you to achieve your smile goals. Whether you have an overbite, underbite, crossbite, or crowding, this traditional orthodontic solution can help you work towards straighter teeth. Sometimes, orthodontists ask their patients to wear rubber bands on their braces. Here’s their purpose and why it is so important to follow your orthodontist’s instructions.
What Is the Purpose of Rubber Bands?
Rubber bands are used to increase the force that is applied to strategic areas of the mouth. They hook onto your braces and can be positioned in a variety of ways. Your orthodontist will let you know the proper positioning for your unique case. Rubber bands can be used to adjust various jaw misalignments, like overbites, underbites, open bites, and crossbites. They can also be used with braces to help adjust spacing between the teeth or to adjust their positioning. For example, if a tooth is tilted backwards, rubber bands can be used to bring it upright.
When Do You Need to Start Wearing Rubber Bands?
This all depends on your individual treatment plan. For some patients, rubber bands need to be used after just a few routine visits to the orthodontist. For others, rubber bands are worn near the end of treatment for some final adjustments. Some patients don’t even need to wear rubber bands to achieve the desired results. Your orthodontist will let you know if rubber bands are necessary for you and when you need to begin using them.
How Long Do Rubber Bands Need to Be Worn?
Rubber bands lose their elasticity as you wear them. Because of this, rubber bands need to be changed multiple times in a day. Rubber bands can be removed temporarily to eat and to brush and floss your teeth. These are ideal times to switch out your rubber bands for new ones.
How to Care for Your Braces with Rubber Bands
Here are a few tips to help you adjust to orthodontic treatment with rubber bands.
- Don’t Double Up: Doubling up on your rubber bands can apply too much pressure, causing damage to your smile.
- Carry Extras: Rubber bands need to be changed from time to time, and sometimes they break unexpectedly. It’s a good idea to carry some extras in case you need them.
- Listen to Your Orthodontist: You should always attach rubber bands to your braces as instructed by your orthodontist. This can help to ensure that your treatment proceeds as planned.
When you get your braces, rubber bands may be an important aspect of your treatment plan. You will be showing off a straighter smile in just a matter of time!
About the Practice
At Richardson Orthodontics, Dr. Tamara L. Jones and Dr. Stephanie Amerson work together to treat patients in the Richardson community. With their combined experience and expertise, they help patients to achieve all of their orthodontic needs. To learn more about braces or to schedule a consultation, visit their website or call (972) 238-7101.