Why Are Rubber Band Elastics So Important?

Rubber band elastics are often used in orthodontics to move teeth, a selected tooth, or an entire arch of teeth. In many cases, rubber bands are the primary method used to align the upper arch (of teeth) with the lower arch (of teeth). Typically, the upper arch wires are used to straighten the upper teeth and the lower arch wires are used to straighten the lower teeth. But rubber bands are usually the primary method in aligning the entire upper arch in relation to the entire lower arch.

For example, when the upper arch is too far forward for the lower arch, rubber bands can be worn from the lower back teeth to the upper front teeth. The force provided by the rubber bands will move the upper teeth back and the lower teeth forward, thereby aligning the two arches properly.

Studies have shown that teeth have not failed to move when rubber bands are worn consistently. Your treatment progress usually depends upon how well you wear your rubber bands. If you do not, you will likely have to wear your braces longer and the result may not be as good as it could have otherwise been. Consistency is the key!  If you wear your rubber bands for three days as you have been instructed and then miss a day, it is very likely that your teeth will move back to their original position with no progress being made.

You should expect some discomfort for the first two or three days when you begin to wear your rubber bands. This will get better as your teeth begin to move. If you are not consistent with wearing the rubber bands you will likely have to go through this adjustment period all over again. Your orthodontist would not have asked you to wear rubber bands unless it was absolutely necessary for your treatment. So, it is imperative that you wear them as prescribed by your orthodontist.

You should only remove your rubber bands to eat and brush your teeth, unless you have been specifically instructed to do otherwise. You should replace old rubber bands at least once a day.  At Smile Team Orthodontics we really want our patients and/or parents to understand our recommendations, so, if you have any questions concerning your (or your child's) rubber bands, please, feel free to ask.

-Dr. David R. Sain

www.smileteam4u.com