Braces are more than just brackets and wires; they’re a combination of components working together to give you the best results. One important tool that often gets overlooked is rubber bands. Dr. Bennett uses these small but powerful bands to support the movement of your teeth and jaw throughout treatment at Bennett Orthodontics in Mobile, AL. Knowing the role they serve can make your braces treatment smoother and more effective.
Why Are Rubber Bands Used in Braces?
Rubber bands, also known as elastics, help move teeth and jaws in directions that braces alone cannot accomplish. While the brackets and wires handle the initial shift of your teeth, rubber bands take on a more targeted role. Dr. Bennett frequently uses them when a patient needs bite correction, such as fixing an overbite, underbite, or crossbite.
The bands attach to specific points on your braces, pulling your teeth or jaw in a controlled manner. This allows for gradual and steady improvement in your bite and overall dental structure. While they may seem like a small part of the treatment, the progress they help create is anything but minor.
How Do Rubber Bands Work?
Dr. Bennett carefully selects the type and strength of rubber bands based on each patient’s individual needs. The bands apply pressure to move the teeth or jaw into the correct position, and this consistent force encourages the desired movement. For example, if someone has an overbite, rubber bands will be positioned to pull the top teeth back and bring the bottom teeth forward. The process is simple but effective.
The most important part of using rubber bands is consistency. Patients at Bennett Orthodontics are reminded to wear them as instructed—usually throughout the day and night, removing them only for eating or brushing. Missing a day or two might delay progress, so it’s important to follow Dr. Bennett’s recommendations.
Common Reasons for Rubber Bands
One of the main reasons Dr. Bennett uses rubber bands in braces treatment is to improve jaw alignment. When the upper and lower teeth don’t meet properly, chewing and speaking can be difficult. Rubber bands provide the extra force to adjust the jaw’s position, working with the brackets and wires. Over time, this helps create a more balanced bite.
Another reason rubber bands might be used is to close gaps between teeth. While the wires are responsible for moving the teeth in a straight line, rubber bands help bring them closer together, closing any spaces that might have developed during treatment.
Tips for Wearing Rubber Bands Effectively
To maximize the benefits of your treatment, Dr. Bennett recommends following these tips for wearing rubber bands:
Wear Them Consistently
The success of rubber bands in your braces treatment depends on how consistently they’re worn. Dr. Bennett advises patients to follow the prescribed schedule, typically wearing them all day and night except when eating or brushing. Missing days or not wearing them for the recommended hours can cause delays, slowing the movement of your teeth and extending your treatment time.
Replace Rubber Bands Regularly
Over time, rubber bands can lose their strength and elasticity, weakening their ability to provide the necessary pressure on your teeth and jaw. Be sure to change your rubber bands regularly to maintain their effectiveness. Dr. Bennett provides plenty of rubber bands during your visits in Mobile, AL, so you’ll always have fresh replacements.
Keep Extras with You
Life can be busy, and rubber bands can break or wear out unexpectedly. To avoid any disruption in your treatment, it’s a good idea to carry extra bands with you. If a rubber band breaks, you can quickly replace it without missing a beat, keeping your treatment on track.
Get the Most Out of Your Braces Treatment
Rubber bands may seem like a small detail in braces treatment, but their impact is substantial. They help guide teeth and jaws into the right position, making them an important part of your overall treatment plan. Dr. Bennett and his team at Bennett Orthodontics in Mobile, AL, make sure every patient understands how to use them effectively for the best results.
Feel free to reach out if you have any questions about rubber bands or any other part of your treatment, and Dr. Bennett and his team can help.