{"id":60,"date":"2021-08-13T18:39:00","date_gmt":"2021-08-13T18:39:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.huntingtonortho.com\/blog\/?p=60"},"modified":"2021-10-15T14:53:10","modified_gmt":"2021-10-15T14:53:10","slug":"rubber-bands-on-braces","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.huntingtonortho.com\/blog\/2021\/08\/13\/rubber-bands-on-braces\/","title":{"rendered":"Why Some People Have to Wear Rubber Bands on Braces"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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With over 4 million Americans wearing braces<\/a>, their popularity in correcting crooked teeth is apparent. Though some individuals only need braces, others require additions such as rubber bands. Why do some people need rubber bands? Will you or your child need them if either of you get braces? Here\u2019s everything you need to know about wearing rubber bands on braces.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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How Braces Work<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Braces feature brackets attached to your teeth that have a wire running along them. The brackets and wire work in unison to press against your teeth and move them over a period of time to straighten them and close gaps. While braces generally have a high rate of success, their effectiveness varies depending on the person and how closely they follow their orthodontist’s instructions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How Rubber Bands Work with Your Braces<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Rubber bands, or elastics, increase the force applied to specific areas of the mouth. They hook on to the brackets on your braces and can be positioned in a variety of ways to make teeth move in a way braces can\u2019t on their own. When or if a patient needs to use rubber bands depends on their treatment plan. Elastics can be used to correct issues such as overbites, underbites, open bites, and crossbites.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Types of Rubber Bands<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Rubber bands are categorized by the amount of force exerted, size of the elastic, the type of material they’re made from, and how they’re meant to be used. Here\u2019s a more in depth look in to the four categories of elastics:<\/p>\n\n\n\n