At some point in their lives, a lot of people undergo the braces procedure. Adults can occasionally wear braces, though it’s more common for pre-teens and teens to do so. As they move through the procedure to correct your teeth, they must follow specific steps, have a plan, and even be flexible.
What do rubber bands do for braces?
Many conditions that affect your teeth and jaw can benefit from braces treatment. They apply pressure in an effort to reposition your jaw and teeth.
An archwire that travels through brackets affixed to the surface of your teeth applies this force.
You might need to wear rubber bands at some point during treatment if you have braces. Rubber bands are effective at adding force where it is needed.
Let’s examine the possible uses for rubber bands and the possible reasons why you might have them.
Table of Contents
What Effect Do Rubber Bands Have On Braces?
Rubber bands are used to increase the force that is applied to a particular area of your mouth. They might also be referred to as elastics.
You can position rubber bands in a variety of ways to connect to the brackets on your braces. Small metal hooks on the bracket are used to attach and secure them.
Rubber bands help braces in a number of ways. They are frequently used to correct various forms of jaw misalignment, including:
- overbite
- underbite
- open bite
- crossbite
In conjunction with braces, they may also be used to help correct tooth alignment, such as straightening a tooth that is pointing backward, or to help correct the distance between teeth.
How Do Rubber Bands Work?
Depending on the motion required to achieve the proper alignment, the orthodontic elastic band pulls the jaw either forward or back. Your upper and lower teeth should bite together smoothly and comfortably. The moving and straightening process is accelerated by rubber bands, which are a crucial component of orthodontic therapy.
Using Rubber Bands With Braces Benefits
Utilizing rubber bands with braces has two main advantages that, in a sense, overlap one another. The main benefit of rubber bands is that they can help provide extra force to move teeth into positions that braces cannot do on their own. They serve as an additional tool to help produce tension and pressure that is more precisely directed. The second advantage of rubber bands is that they might hasten the alignment process, enabling your child to achieve a radiant, self-assured smile even sooner.
The advantages of wearing braces aren’t just cosmetic when it comes to orthodontics as a whole; effective orthodontic treatment can also help your child or adolescent speak more clearly and improve their bite. Furthermore, teeth that are straight are less vulnerable to damage, decay, and gum disease. But when it comes to appearances, a straighter grin can help with self-assurance. While there will be some getting used to, braces are beneficial for your oral health, appearance, and self-esteem.
Elastics In Braces Types
There are many different kinds of rubber bands that are used for braces, and they can be divided into various categories.
Material
There are two materials that can be used to make rubber bands: latex and synthetic. Because they are cheap to produce and have a high degree of flexibility, latex bands are frequently used. If a person has a latex allergy, however, they can use synthetic bands.
According to some studies, latex bands may exert a more consistent force over time than synthetic bands. For example, a small 2018 studyTrusted Source compared 15 people using both latex and synthetic bands. Over a 24-hour period, latex bands held their shape better than synthetic ones.
Use
The purpose for which rubber bands are being used can also be used to classify them. You might hear about the following frequent uses:
- Class I: On one of your jaws, link brackets are positioned horizontally. To help close gaps between your teeth, you can use them.
- Class II: Connect the molars in your lower jaw with the teeth on your upper jaw. They can be applied to fix an overbite, or excess overjet. When biting down, this is the space between the front upper and lower teeth.
- Class III: Connect the molars in your upper jaw with the teeth in your lower jaw. An underbite may be treated with them.
- Vertical: Make a connection between the upper teeth on your jaw and the lower teeth on your jaw. They are effective in closing an open bite.
- Cross: connect the upper and lower jaw’s teeth, frequently spanning your front teeth. They are used to fix a crossbite.
Force
The amount of force that rubber bands can apply determines their classification. There are, in general, three types of forces:
- light
- medium
- heavy
The units of force are ounces (oz) or grams (g). The exact amount of force exerted in each force category may vary by manufacturer’s trusted Source.
Size
Rubber bands also come in a variety of sizes. Its diameter is measured, typically in fractions of an inch, to determine its size.
Depending on how much it must stretch in order to function properly, a rubber band’s size is chosen.
When Should You Begin Using Rubber Bands With Your Braces?
It depends on your specific treatment plan when you start wearing rubber bands with your braces. After a few adjustments, rubber bands may be used by some. They might be used nearer the end of the course of treatment for others.
Additionally, not everyone will require wearing rubber bands with their braces. If rubber bands are a part of your treatment plan, your orthodontist will let you know.
Using Rubber Bands With Braces Tips
Here are some recommendations to remember if you’re wearing braces and rubber bands.
- Carry extra rubber bands at all times in case one breaks or becomes weak and needs to be replaced.
- For the best results, adhere to the orthodontist’s instructions.
- Make sure to swap out your bands at least once every 12 hours, if not more.
- To handle rubber bands, wash your hands first.
- Rubber bands should never be doubled.
Do Rubber Bands Have To Be Worn With Braces?
No, a rubber band is not required for everyone who wears a brace. The teeth’s ability to move and how your bite is impacted by that movement will ultimately determine how well it works. Orthodontists are sometimes aware that you require a rubber band before braces are fastened. In other instances, the orthodontist might be unsure of whether your teeth will move once you’ve had braces on for a while. If you think you might require rubber bands, you should speak with your orthodontist.
Rubber Bands’ Do’s And Don’ts
Do’s
- Your teeth will benefit as you wear your elastics more frequently. Your teeth will move more easily if you wear your elastics correctly.
- The way you are supposed to wear them is exactly correct. Too much force applied too quickly can harm tooth roots and prolong the time it takes for your teeth to move.
- Become accustomed to always having extra elastics with you. It will be a great habit to form because you’ll always be prepared in case something breaks or needs to be replaced.
Don’ts
- Rubber bands should be doubled. Your teeth won’t grind more quickly because of it. It might even harm your roots while slowing down the movement of your tooth.
- Overstretch them: When you stretch an elastic material beyond its tensile limit, it may lose its effectiveness.
- If your teeth hurt, remove your elastics. The adjustment period and any associated discomfort must start all over again each time you take them off for an extended period of time and put them back on.
Final Words
So, what do rubber bands do for braces?
If you’re using elastics with braces, it’s very easy. It is your responsibility to use these elastics correctly so that they can perform their intended function and you can finish much more quickly. They are designed for a very specific purpose.
Although it is not always the case, braces frequently take longer because the elastics have to work harder to correct your bite.
