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If you have braces, it’s possible that you’ll need to wear elastics at some point during your treatment. Here, our orthodontists discuss what rubber bands do for braces and what you can expect if you need them.
What do rubber bands do for braces?
Rubber bands help increase the force applied by braces to particular areas of your mouth. Sometimes called elastics, these bands connect to the brackets of your braces and can be set in several different ways to achieve specific results. They are secured using small metal hooks.
Rubber bands serve various purposes for braces. They are commonly used to assist in adjusting different types of misaligned jaws, such as:
- Overbite
- Underbite
- Open bite
- Crossbite
They may also be used alongside braces to help adjust the spacing between teeth or to reposition them, such as aiding in straightening a tooth that is leaning backward.
Types of Elastics in Braces
There are various types of rubber bands used in treatment with braces, which can fall into different categories.
Force
Rubber bands are categorized by the amount of force they can exert. Generally, there are three categories of force:
- Light
- Medium
- Heavy
Size
Rubber bands also vary in size, which is measured by their diameter, usually in fractions of an inch. The size of the rubber band needed is determined by how much it must stretch to function effectively.
Material
Rubber bands are available in two materials: latex and synthetic. Latex bands are popular due to their high flexibility and low production cost. On the other hand, synthetic bands serve as an alternative for individuals with latex allergies.
Use
Rubber bands can also be classified based on their purpose. Some common uses you might encounter include:
- Class I: Positioned horizontally, linking brackets on one of your jaws. These are used to help close spaces between your teeth.
- Class II: Connect teeth on your upper jaw to the molars of your lower jaw. These are used to correct excess overbite.
- Class III: Connect the teeth on your lower jaw to the molars on your upper jaw. These are used to correct an underbite.
- Vertical: Link teeth on your upper jaw with the teeth below them on the lower jaw. These are used to correct an open bite.
- Cross: These join the teeth in your upper and lower jaw, frequently overlapping your front teeth. These are used to fix a crossbite.
When do you start wearing rubber bands for braces?
The timing for when to start using rubber bands with your braces depends on your specific treatment plan. For some, rubber bands may be introduced after a few adjustments, while for others, they might be utilized closer to the end of treatment.
Additionally, not everyone needs to wear rubber bands with their braces. Your orthodontist will let you know if rubber bands are part of your treatment plan.
How long do orthodontic rubber bands stay on your braces?
As time passes, rubber bands gradually lose elasticity. This means that the force they apply to your teeth and jaw will lessen. As a result, rubber bands must be changed. Your orthodontist will inform you about when and how often to change your rubber bands.
The overall duration of rubber band usage on your braces depends on your treatment plan. Some individuals might only require rubber bands for a few weeks, while others might need to use them for several months.
Can you eat with rubber bands on your braces?
Many people who wear rubber bands with their braces wear them almost all of the time, although some may only need to wear them at night. You may be able to remove your rubber bands briefly when eating, especially if their arrangement makes it challenging. You can also generally remove them briefly to brush and floss your teeth.
It's important to note that you should always discuss the removal of your elastics with your orthodontist to ensure that you are following your treatment plan.
Caring for Your Teeth While Wearing Braces With Rubber Bands
If you wear braces with rubber bands, proper care is essential. This involves:
- Following your orthodontist’s instructions: Always use the rubber bands on your braces as your orthodontist has directed. This helps keep your treatment on track.
- Keeping extras on hand: Rubber bands should be replaced regularly, as they can break. Therefore, it's wise to have extra ones on hand.
- Brushing after every meal: Food can get caught in your braces, which may cause plaque to build up. To help eliminate trapped food, gently brush with a soft-bristled toothbrush after every meal.
- Flossing: Flossing effectively removes food particles lodged between your teeth that brushing struggles to reach. Your orthodontist can provide a specialized threading tool to assist you in flossing with braces.
- Avoiding certain foods: Sticky, hard, or crunchy foods, like gum and hard candies, can damage your braces.
What to Do if the Elastics Come Off
Rubber bands might come off or snap, but you can easily replace them without going to your orthodontist.
If a rubber band falls off or breaks, simply swap it out for a new one. It’s important to do this quickly to keep your orthodontic treatment on track. A helpful tip is always to carry a pack of rubber bands so you can promptly replace any that come loose or break.