{"id":138,"date":"2022-12-02T16:32:00","date_gmt":"2022-12-02T16:32:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.huntingtonortho.com\/blog\/?p=138"},"modified":"2022-12-15T16:35:25","modified_gmt":"2022-12-15T16:35:25","slug":"rubber-bands-on-braces-in-huntington-why-do-i-need-them","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.huntingtonortho.com\/blog\/2022\/12\/02\/rubber-bands-on-braces-in-huntington-why-do-i-need-them\/","title":{"rendered":"What Do Rubber Bands On Braces Do For My Teeth?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Traditional braces<\/a> are one of the most reliable treatments to straighten your pearly whites. While it might feel unnatural to have metal brackets and wires in your mouth at the beginning, these will be essential for improving your bite in the long run. That said, some patients are surprised to hear that they\u2019ll require rubber bands on their braces. Why is this so crucial for your orthodontic process? Read on to learn what these elastic bands do for your treatment and several tips for wearing them!<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

What Do Elastic Bands Do For Braces?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

There are typically two kinds of rubber bands for braces: ligatures and interarch. The former is designed to wrap around every individual bracket. The latter is meant to address bite issues and jaw alignment. Your dentist may add one of these types of elastic bands to your orthodontic regimen depending on your specific treatment plan. You might have to use them after several weeks or toward the end of the process. These rubber bands apply extra pressure to help correct problems like underbites, crossbites, open bites, and crossbites.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How Do They Work?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

During your orthodontic treatment, your dentist may provide you with various kinds of rubber bands. For instance, you might need to use light, medium, or heavy ones\u2014each capable of exerting a different level of force. They may even come in different materials, colors, and sizes to create a more personalized treatment and experience for each patient. Once you and your dentist have chosen the kind of rubber band you\u2019ll use, they\u2019ll specify precisely how you\u2019ll need to wear them to correct your bite. For example, with an overbite, the elastic bands will connect from your upper jaw to the molars on the lower one. To treat an open bite, the bands will attach vertically to your top and bottom jaw.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

4 Essential Tips If You Need Rubber Bands on Braces<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you aren\u2019t used to wearing rubber bands on braces, here are several tips to keep in mind:<\/p>\n\n\n\n