Why Do People Wear Rubber Bands With Braces?

Author Michael Richards | August 12, 2018 9:56 pm | Category: Orthodontics Questions

Have you ever wondered why people wear rubber bands with their braces? In this short article we want to answer this question for you.  There are primarily two types of rubber bands used in orthodontics; the little ones that come in many different colors that go around each brace and the larger rubber bands that go from the top teeth to the bottom teeth.

The little rubber bands that go around each brace are often called “colors,” ligatures, or modules.  Changing the color of these at each appointment is fun but the job of these rubber bands is to hold the wire into the brace.  The wire is what moves the teeth and needs to be held into the brace for it to work. So, if you ever lose a “color” and it looks like the wire isn’t in the brace anymore, please give us a call and we will get it replaced for you.

The larger rubber bands that go from the top teeth to the bottom teeth are often called inter-arch elastics.  These elastics come in different sizes and strengths.  Dr. Richards and his team at Farr West Orthodontics will prescribe the right ones for you at the right time. These rubber bands are used for many different purposes, but overall they help the top and bottom teeth or bite fit together properly. These are the elastics we use to correct mild to moderate overbites and underbites.  We also use them at the end of treatment to help settle your teeth together tight like a zipper.

One of the best ways to get your braces off on time or even early is to wear your rubber bands as instructed by Dr. Michael Richards.  Usually, he will ask you to wear them full time. This means at least 22 hours per day.  Only take them off to brush, floss, and eat.  Each time you remove your bands throw them away and put on new rubber bands.