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Do you have braces? If so, you know that one of the most important things to do is keep your rubber bands in good condition. Rubber bands help straighten your teeth, correct bite issues, and in some cases, can even accelerate your treatment. Today, the team at Shiney Smiles Orthodontics is here to discuss the many benefits of rubber bands for your braces!
What are orthodontic rubber bands?
Rubber bands, or ligatures, are a type of elastic band used to enhance the tension of your braces. To do this, orthodontic bands connect one part of your braces to another and help move your teeth in the desired direction. Depending on what Dr. Sheinis has prescribed, you may need different types of rubber bands to ensure that your treatment progresses on track.
Different types of rubber bands
At Shiney Smiles, we use a wide range of ligatures to supplement your appliances and ensure that they are as effective s possible:
Oties
These tiny rubber bands are responsible for much more than giving you or your kids a colorful smile. Oties play a crucial role in your braces treatment, as they help apply pressure to your teeth by attaching brackets to your archwire. Dr. Sheinis will periodically change these at your appointments to ensure that your braces retain ample pressure to continue shifting into place.
Power chains
Power chains are composed of multiple bands connected to form a chain. This rubber band moves several teeth at once and can be great for closing gaps or straightening out crowded smiles. Power Chains also come in different colors and sizes depending on your needs.
Elastics
Elastics are larger rubber bands designed to increase the tension on your archwire, allowing it to move your teeth more efficiently and quickly. Dr. Sheinis may prescribe elastics if you need to correct a bite issue or close a gap between two teeth.
The Benefits of Orthodontic Rubber Bands
Incorporating rubber bands into your braces treatment helps ensure that your teeth are correctly aligned. By creating tension, they help move your teeth into the desired position. Rubber bands also help maintain proper spacing between your teeth, allowing them to fit together correctly and look their best!
Finally, rubber bands are essential for correcting bite issues, such as overbites or underbites. We can’t forget our favorite benefit of rubber bands: speeding up your treatment and helping you see your new pearly whites sooner!
How to get the most out of your rubber bands:
The Shiney Smiles team is dedicated to helping you get the most out of your braces and rubber bands, which is why we always recommend the following:
- Change your rubber bands frequently. As you move your jaw throughout the day, your rubber bands lose their tension. A good rule of thumb is to replace them with new ones after taking them out for every meal.
- Wear them 24/7 for the best results. Unless you’re eating or brushing your teeth, you should wear your elastics at all times to ensure your treatment is on track!
- Follow Dr. Sheinis’s instructions. Every patient’s treatment is different, so it’s important to follow Dr. Sheinis’s instructions for changing rubber bands and wear times.
- Be patient. We know that the first few days of wearing rubber bands can make your mouth and jaw sore. This will pass. Feeling discomfort is normal as you get used to the additional tension. Just remember that every day you wear your rubber bands gets you closer to that new smile!
Get your smile shining with rubber bands!
At Shiney Smiles Orthodontics, we emphasize the importance of rubber bands and using them to get the most out of your treatment. Dr. Sheinis and our team are here to help you enjoy your new smile as soon as possible! Contact us today if you have any questions or concerns about your braces journey.