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Braces do so much to improve your smile, but they can’t always fix your bite. They sometimes need help in the form of braces rubber bands. These braces elastics apply pressure to realign your bite. 

Smiles by the Bay uses rubber bands to help realign your bite and give you a straighter smile. They are an important part of treatment with braces and clear aligners. Not everyone needs rubber bands during their braces treatment. Will you?

What Are Braces Rubber Bands? 

What are rubber bands for braces? You may think of the elastic bands for braces that go around braces brackets, but orthodontic elastics differ from the rubber bands that realign your bite. 

What do elastics on braces do? They are used to hold the archwire to the braces brackets so that it can apply gentle pressure to move your teeth. The elastic rubber for braces brackets is thick and strong to hold the archwire tightly. 

Orthodontic rubber bands are a thinner elastic that can be stretched from upper to lower teeth. Unlike elastics that the orthodontist puts on, rubber bands for braces can be placed by you — and should be as prescribed to ensure your braces treatment is successful. 

What Do Rubber Bands Do for Braces?

Braces and clear aligners can realign your jaw if it is shifted only slightly. Ordinarily, your upper molars rest on top of and slightly outside your lower molars. Also, the line between your upper central incisors and the lower ones should line up.

Patients whose teeth have significant shifts need extra help realigning their teeth. Rubber bands provide that extra pull to help move your teeth to where they belong.

What Are the Types of Rubber Bands for Braces? 

Braces rubber bands are made of a special nontoxic elastic, so they are safe to use in your mouth. They also come in different strengths — or classes — that perform different functions. 

  • Class 1 Elastics: Connect the upper first or second molar to the upper canine. They are used to close gaps between teeth.
  • Class 2 Elastics: Connect the upper jaw and lower jaw. They are used to pull the upper teeth back and the lower jaw forward to repair overbites. 
  • Class 3 Elastics: Connect the upper teeth to the lower teeth to repair underbites by moving the bottom teeth back and pulling the upper teeth forward. 

Some patients only use one type of rubber bands during their treatment, while others may use two or even all three types at different times. The types of rubber bands you use — or whether you use any at all — usually will be determined when we plan your treatment during your first visit

Are Orthodontic Rubber Bands Safe?

The rubber bands for orthodontics are not like those you would find in your home office. These are created with a nontoxic, medical-grade latex, making them safe to use — with one exception.

Patients who have a latex allergy should let us know before you get your rubber bands. Does that mean you can’t use braces rubber bands? While you can’t use the standard ones, we do have non-latex versions of braces rubber bands that you should be able to use safely. 

Because they’re nontoxic, they shouldn’t harm you if you accidentally swallow a rubber band. The rubber band should pass through your digestive system normally. Just try to keep it from becoming a regular occurrence. 

How Do I Wear My Rubber Bands for Braces?

We will show you how to wear rubber bands with braces, and you’ll need to wear them 22 hours a day to be effective. The rubber bands will wrap around tiny hooks on your braces brackets. 

You can and should remove your rubber bands to eat and brush your teeth. You should be able to drink with rubber bands. Throw them away once you remove them! Never put rubber bands back into your mouth because it isn’t sanitary. 

You should have plenty of rubber bands to use until your next visit with us. If not, give us a call! 

Do Braces Rubber Bands Hurt?

You may feel some discomfort when you first get your rubber bands because your teeth will be moving more than they’re used to doing. You might also feel discomfort if you change or add other classes of rubber bands. 

Most discomfort will only last a day or two. You can use over-the-counter painkillers to relieve any discomfort. You can also rinse your mouth with warm salt water to reduce any swelling and irritation.  

If you continue to experience discomfort with your rubber bands, contact Smiles by the Bay. We can offer suggestions and bring you in for adjustments, if necessary. 

Tips for Using Orthodontic Rubber Bands

Here are a few tips to help make your treatment with rubber bands a success. 

  • Pay attention to which rubber band goes where on your braces. Mixing up rubber band connections could move your teeth in the wrong direction. 
  • Wear only one rubber band on each connection at a time. Never double your rubber bands in an attempt to speed up your treatment progress. 
  • Carry a package of rubber bands with you in case you need to replace them after eating out. 
  • Rinse your mouth after eating and before putting rubber bands in your mouth. This can help dislodge food particles from around the rubber band hooks so the elastics don’t trap the food against your teeth or gums.
  • Contact us before you are at risk of running out of rubber bands. You don’t want gaps in your treatment times. 
  • Never use non-orthodontic rubber bands or those from “off-brands.” Use the ones we provide to you. Our brands are nontoxic and safe to use, something we cannot guarantee from other brands or suppliers. 

Braces Rubber Band Treatment in Annapolis, MD

Rubber bands are a great tool for realigning your teeth and jaws and repairing your bite. A realigned bite can improve chewing and digestion and reduce excessive tooth wear and jaw pain. 

Are you ready for braces treatment? Do you have questions about rubber bands with braces? Smiles by the Bay is here to help! If you’re looking for braces treatment in Annapolis, MD, Kent Island, MD, or Denton, MD, schedule an appointment with us. We want you to see the potential in your smile! 

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