Braces do a fantastic job of straightening crooked teeth, but when it comes to realigning your bite, they may need a little help. We use several tools, including elastic rubber bands, to create your perfect smile.
What do rubber bands do for teeth? Do rubber bands move your jaws or teeth, too? When do you get rubber bands for braces? You may think every braces patient has to wear these orthodontic rubber bands, but that isn’t the case. Here are some facts to help you better understand why we use rubber bands with braces.
How Do Rubber Bands Work on Braces?
There are three types of elastic bands that attach to your braces. One type is used to close gaps between teeth. The other types are used to realign the jaws. These elastics apply a little more pressure to shift your teeth and jaws more than the braces alone can do.
Here are the three types of classes.
- Class 1 These close gaps between the teeth and connect the upper first or second molar to the upper canine.
- Class 2 These connect the upper jaw and lower jaw and pull the upper teeth back and the lower jaw forward. These are used to repair overbites.
- Class 3 These correct underbites by moving the bottom teeth back and pulling the upper teeth forward.
You may wear one or several classes during your treatment or not need them at all. If we give you more than one to wear, make sure you don’t mix up the different classes of orthodontic bands. You’ll probably notice right away if you do. They’ll feel “funny,” usually looser or stronger than usual.
How to Put Rubber Bands on Braces
How do rubber bands on braces work? The first step is to place them correctly. When we give you your first set of rubber bands, we will show you how to do that.
You may notice tiny hooks on certain braces brackets or braces bands. These hooks are used with rubber bands. Your elastics attach to these hooks. Loop the band over one hook, then, with a fingernail, guide the other side of the band over the second hook.
In most cases, they connect the upper jaw to the lower jaw, though one type of rubber band connects several teeth. You will likely have several hooks in your mouth for the different classes of rubber bands. We will tell you which hooks to use for rubber bands and when.
Be sure to follow our instructions carefully. Never double your rubber bands in the hope of reducing treatment time. Doing so could damage your teeth.
When Do You Get Rubber Bands for Braces?
Not every patient needs rubber bands on their braces. Some patients wear them throughout their treatment. Others will only wear them for a few weeks. We will tell you whether you need rubber bands and for how long as part of your braces treatment plan.
We usually let you get used to your braces before adding rubber bands. The more misaligned your jaws are, the longer you may need to wear braces bands. You can get rubber bands at any time during your treatment.
How to Relieve Pain From Rubber Bands on Braces
You may feel a bit of discomfort when you first start using your orthodontic bands or when changing from one class to another. In both cases, the pain should be temporary and fade after a few days.
If you feel pain, you can use an over-the-counter pain reliever. You can also swish warm salt water around your mouth a few times a day to reduce inflammation and relieve discomfort.
Are Rubber Bands Safe to Wear?
Your rubber bands are made of a non-toxic latex material that is safe to use in your mouth. If you have a latex allergy, though, we can provide a non-latex version of elastics for you.
Can you eat with rubber bands on your braces? No, you must remove them before you eat, floss, and brush your teeth.
Should you reuse them? Again, absolutely not. You may have bacteria and germs on your elastics after you’ve taken them out. Reusing them puts those germs into your mouth, which can make you sick.
You should have plenty of elastic bands available. If you remove your elastics, throw them away and put in a new set.
One more thing: Be sure to use dental-grade elastics like those we provide. We know they are safe for you, but we cannot say the same of third-party rubber bands you might get elsewhere.
Braces Treatment in Rogers, AR
Rubber bands are an excellent tool for braces because they apply that little extra pressure needed to realign your jaws or remove gaps between your teeth. It’s essential to wear your rubber bands as prescribed to keep your orthodontic treatment on track.
If you have questions about rubber bands or braces treatment in Rogers, AR, schedule a free consultation with Smith and Davis Orthodontics. We’ll gladly give you all the information you need about your braces treatment.
