What Do Rubber Bands Do For Braces

Many parents of children with braces or adults on their own journey are curious about the value that rubber bands can add to orthodontic treatment. It’s a fair question because adding in rubber bands can sometimes feel overwhelming or even frustrating at first. Thankfully, with the right support, your experience with rubber bands can be a cinch!

Bennett Orthodontics has dealt with a lot of rubber bands over the years. In fact, we end up recommending rubber bands for almost all of our patients who wear braces at some point. That’s why it’s important that you learn about rubber bands to set you up for success if you need them during your orthodontic journey. 

What are Rubber Bands For?

Braces are all about shifting your teeth and jaw into the optimum alignment. This isn’t just for a prettier smile, but it’s actually healthier for your teeth and mouth in the long term! Rubber bands are helpful in this task by creating resistance for more movement between the teeth or jaw.

That’s why it’s important to follow Dr. Bennett’s guidance when it comes to rubber band usage. Though they might seem inconvenient, rubber bands can be essential to the process, to help to correct bite alignment, reduce overbites or underbites, and close gaps or spaces between your teeth.

How Do They Work?

Braces work by securing wires and brackets along each row of teeth on the top and the bottom. Adjusting these brackets will align each row of teeth alongside each other, but it doesn’t correct the alignment between the top and bottom sets of teeth. Rubber bands are used to create resistance between the bottom and top!

Rubber bands don’t come as a one-size-fits-all. With different sizes and resistances, it may be necessary for you to change what kinds of rubber bands you use, and where you attach them to your braces throughout your treatment. Wearing rubber bands as directed will help move your teeth and jaw into the best alignment for a beautiful smile and better oral health.

If you’re worried about your appearance, Bennett Orthodontics can supply tooth-colored bands that blend into your mouth. Or if you prefer to express some style or school spirit, colored bands are also available. Just remember, only use bands given to you by Bennett Orthodontics. 

How To Use Rubber Bands

After reviewing your progress at each appointment, Dr. Bennett will recommend which rubber bands you should use, and where to attach them to your braces. Typically he will recommend wearing them almost 24/7, removing them only for meals and to brush and floss teeth. It’s especially important to keep them on when sleeping and to change the bands after each removal to ensure cleanliness. Be sure to keep an extra bag of elastics on hand so you’re always to replace old bands or one that might have broken during the day. 

Find the Support You Need at Bennett Orthodontics

Regardless of whether you end up needing braces, elastics, or some other form of orthodontic care, Bennett Orthodontics is the perfect place to start your journey. We would love to see you at our office in Mobile, so schedule a free consultation soon!