Orthodontic treatment of any kind can take some adjusting to. After all, having metal brackets and wires in your mouth is going to feel unnatural at first! What many patients are surprised to hear, however, is that they need rubber bands on their braces. How could something so small be so important? If you’ve asked yourself the same question, keep reading to learn what they do, how they work, and some important tips for wearing them.

What Do Rubber Bands on Braces Do?

In the world of orthodontics, there are two types of rubber bands for braces. The first is called ligatures, and they wrap around each individual bracket. The other, which are referred to as interarch rubber bands, is designed to fix bite problems and jaw alignment. Depending on your treatment plan, they may be added to your daily regimen after a few weeks or toward the end of your time with braces. Ultimately, they supply added pressure to correct issues like overbites, underbites, open bites, and crossbites.

How Do They Work?

“Rubber bands” is the overarching term, but there are several different types. For example, there are light, medium, and heavy ones, which are classified by the level of force they exert. They also come in different sizes and materials, which allows them to be tailored to each patient’s unique dental needs. Once these details are solidified, they will be placed very specifically along your braces to correct your bite. For example, to fix an overbite, the rubber bands connect from your upper jaw to the molars on your lower jaw. To correct an open bite, the rubber bands will link vertically to your upper and lower jaw.

4 Important Tips If You Have Rubber Bands on Your Braces

If wearing rubber bands is relatively new, here are a few things to keep in mind:

• Look in a mirror when putting on your rubber bands. This will help you securely place them on your brackets correctly. With practice, you’ll eventually be able to do it in your sleep.
• Remove your rubber bands when you eat and brush. To chew effectively and brush your teeth properly, you should always remove your rubber bands beforehand.
• Keep them in the same place. Rubber bands are quite small, making them easy to lose. Therefore, try storing them in a brightly colored case and keep them in the same place.
• Replace your rubber bands daily. As they stretch out, they become less effective. To exert the right amount of pressure, they should be changed each day.

Rubber bands may be small, but they can make a drastic difference in both the health and appearance of your smile. Of course, if you have any questions along the way, don’t hesitate to get in touch with your orthodontist!

About the Practice

Our team at Simply Orthodontics has helped countless patients in and around Framingham correct a wide range of orthodontic issues, from slight gaps to severe crossbites. To do this, we make a custom-made treatment plan for each patient, which sometimes includes rubber bands! If you have a question about this orthodontic tool, want to learn more about how they work, or want to schedule an appointment, don’t hesitate to visit our website or call (508) 250-0170.