Wearing braces can take some getting used to. In addition to the metal brackets and wires in your mouth, sometimes your dentist might give you rubber bands to wear with them. At first, it can seem confusing – aren’t the braces themselves moving your teeth enough? As it turns out, these bands, also called elastics, serve an important purpose in your orthodontic treatment. Keep reading to learn why you might have to wear rubber bands on your braces in Glenpool.
What Exactly Do Rubber Bands on Braces Do?
Rubber bands for braces are much smaller than most of the bands you’d typically find at the store. They attach to tiny metal hooks on the brackets of your braces and can be arranged in various configurations.
Most often, elastics are designed to correct bite alignment problems, like overbite or underbite. They can also fix spacing between teeth or a specific tooth’s positioning, such as moving a tooth that is leaning backward into the proper alignment.
How Long Do I Have to Wear Rubber Bands on My Braces?
Not everyone will end up having to wear rubber bands on their braces. It all depends on the specific treatment plan your dentist has laid out for you. Additionally, the stage in your treatment at which you’ll begin wearing rubber bands, and the amount of time you’ll wear them, will differ for everyone.
Rubber bands lose their elasticity over time, so the force they exert on your teeth and jaw will diminish. For this reason, the bands will need to be switched out regularly, often several times a day, in order to effectively shift your smile. Your dentist will let you know how, when, and how often you should replace these bands.
Tips for Wearing Rubber Bands on Your Braces
It will take a while to adjust to wearing elastics with braces, but make sure you do so as directed by your dentist. Soon enough, they will feel like second nature. Here are some tips for wearing rubber bands on braces:
- Stand in front of a mirror at first – Take the time to make sure you’re putting the elastics on properly.
- Keep track of the bands – They come in a small bag that can easily get lost, so keep it in your pocket, purse, or backpack at all times.
- Replace all of the bands at the same time – If one breaks and you don’t replace the other, the sides of your mouth will receive different amounts of tension, which could complicate your treatment.
- Take out your elastics when eating and brushing your teeth – It just makes the process easier.
Not everyone with traditional braces in Glenpool has to wear rubber bands with them. If you do, though, follow your dentist’s guidelines to ensure your treatment goes swimmingly!
About the Author
Since obtaining her dental doctorate from the University of Oklahoma, Dr. Dalia Georgy has accrued more than 200 continuing education credits. She has also undergone extensive specialty training in braces, including courses from Gerety Orthodontic Seminars and F.O.R.C.E. Int. She proudly provides comprehensive orthodontic services to kids, teens, and adults alike at Glenpool Braces. To learn more about rubber bands on braces, visit Dr. Georgy’s website or call (918) 201-1414.