Rubber Bands (Elastics)
Many of our patients will need to wear rubber bands at some point during their orthodontic treatment with braces. The purpose of rubber bands is to correct an overbite or underbite. If your teeth do not fit properly, we may recommend you wear rubber bands during treatment.
Here are some tips for wearing rubber bands:
Use the correct rubber bands. Rubber bands come in different diameters and elastic strengths. We will provide you with specific rubber bands that fit the needs of your smile. Make sure you use the ones given by us in order for your jaw to move into place properly.
Wear them for the right amount of time. Be sure to wear your rubber bands for the appropriate amount of time that is instructed by our orthodontist. Depending on your individual needs, you may need to wear your rubber bands all the time or part-time, like during the day or during sleep. If you don’t wear them as instructed, your jaw and teeth can start moving back to original positions, which can prolong treatment time.
Wear them appropriately. Patients have been known to double up on rubber bands thinking that it will make their teeth move faster. However, this can create more problems with your jaw and teeth. Also, do not wear rubber bands longer than instructed. Over time, the rubber bands will begin to lose their elasticity, which can affect treatment.
If you have any questions about orthodontic rubber bands, be sure to contact our office. Wearing rubber bands is an important process during your treatment, and can reduce the time you have your braces.
Headgear
Headgear may be used to treat patients who have an overbite or underbite. As with elastics, headgear is used when extra force is needed to move the teeth and jaw.
There are several different types of orthodontic headgear, each designed to work best in a specific situation. Our team will design a personalized orthodontic treatment plan to address your individual needs, and select the most appropriate type of headgear. It is important to follow our instructions carefully so that we can achieve the best results for your treatment.
If a headgear is recommended, it is typically worn at night while sleeping and at home. It should never be worn while playing sports and should be removed while eating or brushing your teeth.