Braces function by gently exerting pressure on the teeth to gradually shift them into the proper position. They are made up of brackets that are secured to the teeth with dental glue and flexible wires that are anchored into the braces with coloured or clear plastic modules. Rubber bands or orthodontic elastics may use to exert more pressure in a particular direction to move a single tooth or a group of teeth. They are frequently used to correct your bite.
Why Are Elastic Bands Used In Braces?
Rubber bands frequently use in orthodontics to correct your bite and are crucial throughout the bite-fixing stage of therapy. These bands go over the teeny hooks on the top and bottom of your braces or, if you are wearing clear aligners, the tiny transparent buttons attached to a few teeth. These little elastics can provide the constant pressure required to move teeth into the proper place if used regularly. Elastics are not always necessary for children wearing braces since it relies on the child’s current jaw alignment. The orthodontist advises the patient and their parents based on the dental models and the suggested therapy.
These elastics are not ordinary elastic bands or hair bands; instead, they are often made from medical-grade latex. Which is safe to come into contact with your mouth. Latex-free variants are also available.
Your orthodontist will show you how to put on the elastics so that changing them will quickly become second nature.
What Kinds Of Elastics Are Available For Braces?
Throughout the course of therapy, your orthodontist may advise you or your kid to wear a variety of elastics. This comprises:
1.Class I Elastics – Elastics from the Class I category use to seal the space between teeth. These elastics connect the upper cuspid hook to the upper hook of the first or second molar.
2.Class II Elastics – Class 2 elastics use to move the lower teeth forward. Retract the higher teeth in order to lessen an overjet.
3.Class III Elastics – Class 3 elastics use to advance the top teeth. Retract the upper teeth to remedy an underbite.
How Do You Attach Elastics To Braces?
- Ask your orthodontist for specific application instructions depending on your individual treatment needs and the malocclusion he or she is attempting to cure.
- Before attempting to utilise rubber bands, be sure you are familiar with the various components of your braces. Rubber bands are often linked to the hooks on braces (ask your orthodontist for instructions if you think that will help)
- As directed by your orthodontist, switch out your rubber bands and make sure you are wearing them for the appropriate period of time to ensure the necessary pressure is being delivered. Depending on your bite, the bands might need to be replaced more than three times every day.
- Attend your scheduled orthodontic sessions in order to guarantee that your treatment proceeds as planned and that the required elastic adjustments are made.
Do Braces’ Rubber Bands Hurt?
When utilising rubber bands with your braces, it’s natural to experience some pain. This is due to the additional pressure that these bands apply to your teeth and jaws to ensure that they shift into the proper position. It shouldn’t be excruciating for long. However, you could try drinking cool water or using over-the-counter painkillers as directed if you want some respite from discomfort. It is important to contact your professional orthodontist. Who will make sure the rubber bands are placed correctly and pain is minimised, if you continue to experience pain or discomfort.
How Long Do Your Elastic Bands Need To Wear?
Patients will require wearing elastics for different lengths of time overall. Depending on the degree of your malocclusion and the corrections required to align your bite. This might take anywhere from 2 months to more than a year. To ensure that your treatment proceeds as planned and is completed without delay. It is crucial that you wear your elastics constantly. Only while cleaning your teeth, eating, and changing worn-out elastics with new ones should you remove your braces, unless your orthodontist instructs you otherwise.
Your experienced orthodontist will demonstrate how to connect the elastics to your braces or aligners during your orthodontic visits to guarantee the greatest possible treatment outcome. Your treatment will finish on schedule if you wear the elastic as directed on a regular basis.
Can You Eat While Wearing Elastics On Your Braces?
Even when you’re eating, you should always wear your elastics. But if your rubber bands are truly getting in the way, you can take them off for a little while and then replace them right away after your meal with new elastics. Make sure the elastics are fastened to your braces as frequently as you can. Since removing them for a lengthy period of time might be harmful to your therapy.
Remember These Important Facts About Rubber Bands
To give you the best smile possible, the various phases of your treatment have been meticulously planned and created just for you.
Here are some other beneficial tips:
- Always have additional elastics on hand. You’ll be prepared if one breaks or disappears if you do this.
- If you run out of elastics, come in to the office as soon as possible rather than waiting until your next visit.
- Before putting in or pulling out elastics, always wash your hands.
- If you have any inquiries concerning elastics or any other part of your therapy, get in touch with us.
Final Words
The most crucial thing to keep in mind is that orthodontic elastic therapy can only be successful if the rubber bands are used consistently and according to instructions. Only while eating or cleaning your teeth should you take them out. If you use Invisalign, you are already accustomed to this kind of schedule. However, if you use conventional braces, taking on this new degree of accountability for the outcome of your own treatment could seem unfamiliar.
Braces, which are made up of brackets and wires, function by gently exerting pressure on the teeth until they shift into the desired position. Rubber bands or elastics may occasionally be utilised to offer the extra pressure required to move your teeth.
The biggest (and most frequent) inquiry is the one we hear the most. That depends on how you bite and how much adjustment is required. A month to six to eight months are possible.
