If you have braces or are researching getting braces, you may have seen that for some, having braces comes with accessories and equipment that you possibly never planned for. Rubber bands are one of the accessories that we here at your trusted orthodontist in Darwen get asked about frequently. Mainly, what they are, what they do, and if it’s likely that they will need them at some point during their treatment.
These tiny little rubber bands can help with jaw and teeth alignment and help to correct overbite, underbite, open bite, and crossbite. Below you will find a quick guide into what they are and how they could help you.
What are Rubber Bands for Braces?
Rubber bands for braces are little rings that sit around specific hooks on the brackets of your braces. They generally run between the top and the bottom jaw and are used to either close a gap between teeth, pull the upper teeth back, and move the lower teeth forward or vice versa.
The reason your orthodontist may suggest rubber bands for you is to apply additional force to certain areas of your mouth. It may be that certain teeth need a little more help getting into position or you may need help correcting an underbite, overbite, open bite, or crossbite.
The rubber bands themselves come in 3 different degrees of strength, light, medium, and heavy. Your orthodontist will decide which is most suitable for you on the day of fitting.
How to Know if You Need Rubber Bands with Your Braces.
At the time of your orthodontic assessment, your orthodontist will assess your jaw and teeth alignment, which will determine the type of brace that is most suitable for you and also if you will need rubber bands. Not everyone will need rubber bands, and they are typically not introduced right at the start of treatment, but instead inserted later to slowly increase the force on your teeth.
Rubber bands can lose their effectiveness over time, as they stretch and lose their tension so it’s important to replace them when needed. Your orthodontist will provide you with plenty of replacements and show you how to attach them to the hooks on your brackets. Or, if you have clear aligners, the rubber bands will attach to small buttons on the side of the aligners.
How Often do you Need to Wear Rubber Bands with Braces?
If the movement of your teeth is very minimal, or if your teeth move quickly, then you may only need to wear rubber bands for a small amount of time. For others with slower-moving teeth or more severe misalignments, elastics may need to be worn for longer, or for the entire duration of your braces treatment.
The only time it is advisable to not be wearing your elastics is when you are brushing your teeth, other than that elastics should be worn almost all the time, day, and night unless otherwise advised by your orthodontist.
It’s advisable to keep a packet of spare elastics with you at all times in case of breakages or if they have become discoloured after eating. We advise changing them regularly anyway to ensure they have enough tension to produce the required movement.
Things to Consider with Rubber Bands for Braces.
It’s normal to feel some discomfort when the rubber bands are first fitted as they are moving your teeth into positions they have never been in before but usually taking an over-the-counter painkiller can take away the soreness and discomfort of aching teeth and gums.
It may seem a little unsafe to keep rubber bands in your mouth, but it is very unlikely that the elastics will break and if it does happen, the elastics are so small and thin you can barely feel them ping in the first place. However, it is possible to have an allergy to latex, if you have this allergy then tell your orthodontist before fitting as there are synthetic bands available.
Darwen Orthodontics: Speak to an Expert Orthodontist in Darwen.
Elastics are just a small part of your orthodontic journey and can make all the difference in achieving the smile of your dreams. If you have any worries, concerns, or questions about rubber bands, then speaking to your trusted orthodontist in Darwen can help put your worries to rest.
At Darwen Orthodontics, we specialise in providing high-quality orthodontic care to all our patients and specialise in a range of treatments including traditional metal braces, hidden braces, and clear aligners.
If you have any questions or would like to speak to us regarding your smile, then contact us today to arrange your free consultation.
