Do metal braces use rubber bands?

Orthodontic rubber bands, or elastics, are one of the most common tools orthodontists use to straighten your teeth. We use rubber bands for almost every patient who receives traditional metal braces, as they provide the necessary connective forces needed to move your jaws and teeth into proper alignment.

Do rubber bands work with braces?

Wearing rubber bands improves the fit of your upper and lower teeth and/or jaws – the bite. Rubber bands align your bite and are very important for the bite-fixing phase of orthodontic treatment, which is usually the longest and most difficult part of the whole process.

How long do you have braces after rubber bands?

So, how long do you need to wear braces rubber bands? It depends on your individual needs. Once we get the right amount of correction, you’ll be able to stop wearing them. For some people, this can happen in several months and for others, it could take a year.

How do you put rubber bands on braces?

To connect a vertical rubber band to your braces, start with the left side of your mouth by wrapping the band around the upper hook, which can be found between your upper canine teeth. Then, hook the band around the two lower hooks by your lower canine and molar teeth to form a triangle.

Why to use rubber bands with braces?

Braces with Rubber Bands: For What Purposes Rubber Bands for Overbite. Type 2 rubber bands for braces are typically used for an overbite. Rubber Bands for Underbite. These type 3 rubber band for braces are the exact opposite for an overbite and may be called class 3 elastics. Crossbite Rubber Bands. Ligature Bands. Triangle Rubber Bands. Chain Rubber Bands.

What are the rubber bands on braces?

The small rubber or metal elastics, more commonly called “rubber bands,” that surround your braces are technically called elastic ligatures. A ligature is used primarily to keep the archwire held into the slot on the bracket but they can also direct the teeth in a particular direction,…

How do rubber bands work on braces?

Rubber bands work with your braces by adding an additional level of pressure that helps to move your teeth and jaws. While the bands that are placed between the brackets help to keep the wires in place, your inter arch rubber bands help to realign your jaw so that your treatment results in a better bite.