Braces are a common orthodontic treatment that moves your teeth and jaw into proper positions using an archwire that connects through brackets attached to each tooth. By tightening the wire, dental experts are able to apply force to the teeth to get things moving.
Sometimes, rubber bands are used as part of the braces treatment if force is needed in specific areas. Let’s take a closer look to gain a better understanding of the connection between elastics and braces.
What Rubber Bands Do For Braces
Rubber bands can have a positive impact on a patient’s overall success in treatment. Simply put, they aid braces by increasing the force that is applied to specific areas. And they are most commonly used when it comes to correcting misaligned bites, including:
- Overbite
- Underbite
- Open bite
- Crossbite
Though, bites are not the only things rubber bands are used for with braces. They can also assist in modifying the spacing or straightening teeth.
To use rubber bands, you connect them to the brackets with metal hooks. Which brackets you will attach each end of the rubber band to will vary based on the purpose of using them.
Different Types of Rubber Bands
When it comes to rubber bands and braces, not all are created equal. Having different options allows dental experts to choose the perfect elastic to treat the patient’s specific condition. For instance, there are rubber bands that offer a different amount of force. Some conditions may require a heavy amount of force to correct whereas others may require just a little. In addition, depending on how much you want the rubber bands to be able to stretch as part of the treatment, you will want to take a look at the size. In some instances, larger rubber bands may not provide the best outcome.
Rubber bands come in both latex and synthetic materials, both of which are effective. Due to the popularity of latex allergies, synthetic elastics allow everyone who needs them to benefit - including those who cannot use latex.
Wearing Rubber Bands and Braces
Wearing rubber bands generally doesn’t come at the beginning of a braces journey. The braces are often placed and then worn through a couple of adjustments before making the move to add rubber bands. Sometimes they are not even needed until nearing the end of treatment - if needed at all.
If the decision is made to add them, your dental expert will choose the specifics of the elastics to be used since the size and force play such a significant role in the treatment itself. Once placed, these elastics can lose their elasticity throughout the day and often require replacement. How often this happens depends on the personalized treatment goals set forth by the orthodontist.
Braces at Attleboro Family Dental Care
At Attleboro Family Dental Care, we have the skills, tools, and technology to give our patients everything needed for superior oral health and a beautiful smile. And that includes orthodontic treatment.
Learn more about our services or schedule an appointment today. Contact us at 508-222-2510. Or, schedule an appointment online.