If you are one of the millions of people undergoing orthodontic treatment, you have likely been introduced to rubber bands. These tiny elastics play a large role in the success of your orthodontic treatment. But, if your orthodontic team hasn’t discussed the importance of this treatment with you, you may feel irritated by wearing rubber bands and consider taking them off. 

At Bailey Orthodontics, our team understands how frustrating and uncomfortable it can be to wear rubber bands all day, every day. However, we also understand how important these are for achieving the smile you’ve been dreaming of. If your orthodontist has recommended wearing rubber bands, but you aren’t sure how important this step truly is, keep reading to learn more about the rubber band process. 

What are Rubber Bands?

Rubber bands are a common and important appliance in your orthodontic journey. They are small elastics that loop around the hooks located on the top and bottom brackets of your braces. During your treatment, these elastics apply pressure to the top and bottom jaw bones, guiding them into alignment. Rubber bands can be used to correct a variety of orthodontic problems, including: 

• Overbites
• Underbites
• Crossbites
• Open Bites

How Important is Wearing Rubber Bands with Braces? 

If your orthodontist recommends wearing rubber bands with your braces, it is an essential part of your orthodontic journey. Your orthodontist does a thorough examination of your current dental state and creates your orthodontic plan accordingly. If they prescribe rubber bands, they are doing so to ensure your jaw bones align properly and you achieve the straightened smile you’ve been hoping to achieve. 

If you aren’t wearing rubber bands as directed, you may find yourself prolonging your orthodontic journey. In many cases, orthodontic patients want to end the process as soon as possible. If you want to achieve the smile you’ve been dreaming of and take your braces off according to your anticipated schedule, ensure that you are wearing rubber bands with your braces as directed.  

How to Wear Your Rubber Bands

Wearing rubber bands appropriately is important for ensuring your orthodontic journey goes according to plan. When your orthodontist recommends wearing them, the team should teach you how to put them in properly, keeping your teeth safe from prolonged treatment. There are a few important steps you should take to ensure you are wearing rubber bands appropriately, including:

• Wear Them Consistently: The most important part of the journey is consistently wearing rubber bands. Follow your orthodontist’s recommendations to ensure your teeth are shifting appropriately. 
• Changing Them Frequently: While wearing your rubber bands is important, it is even more important to change them frequently. As you wear them, they may lose their elasticity. Change them at least twice a day to maintain proper tension.
• Using the Right Size: When your orthodontist prescribes braces, they will recommend a specific size and strength. Using the wrong size or strength can be ineffective or even harmful.
• Wearing Them on Both Sides: If your orthodontist instructed you to wear rubber bands on both sides of your mouth, make sure you do so. Wearing them on both sides ensures balanced movement of your teeth and jaws. 
• Maintaining Great Oral Hygiene: Brush and floss regularly to keep your teeth and gums healthy while wearing rubber bands. Food particles can get trapped easily, leading to plaque buildup and potential dental issues.

How Long Do You Wear Your Rubber Bands? 

The length of time you wear your rubber bands will vary depending on the state of your teeth. Some patients will only need to wear them for a couple of months, while others may need to wear them for almost a year. Unless your orthodontist recommends otherwise, it is important to wear your rubber bands all day long. Rubber bands should only be removed before eating or brushing your teeth. Once both of these activities are done, it is important to put them back on as soon as possible. 

What to do If Your Rubber Bands Hurt

If wearing rubber bands leads to discomfort, don’t ignore this. Instead, assess your rubber bands to see if they are placed correctly. If they are not, gently adjust them so they are in the appropriate position. If you correct them and they continue to hurt, gently massage the area or use a bit of orthodontic wax to create a cushion. 

If you are still experiencing pain after this step, it is best to reach out to your orthodontic team for support. While you may feel tempted, don’t remove or adjust these bands on your own, as it may lead to more problems. Schedule an appointment with your orthodontic team and trust that they can help you alleviate this pain while working towards a straighter smile. 

Comprehensive Orthodontic Care from Bailey Orthodontics

No matter where you are in your orthodontic journey, working with a reliable orthodontic team, like our team at Bailey Orthodontics, is essential. With years of experience helping patients across the Northern Utah area achieve the smile of their dreams, we’re confident that we can do the same for you. Our team provides you with valuable in-office and online support, helping you through any orthodontic problems you may experience and preparing you for this journey.

Our team proudly serves patients at our Bountiful and Farmington offices. Our Farmington office just recently reopened, and we are excited to offer you the best orthodontic care in this new, state-of-the-art building. If you are ready to begin your orthodontic journey or you’d like to speak to a member of our team to learn more about our financing options, don’t hesitate to contact us today.

Are you considering getting braces as an adult but feeling hesitant due to various myths surrounding them? If so, you aren’t alone. Many adults have misconceptions about orthodontic treatments, leading them to overlook the benefits of seeking them. While there are several myths about adult braces, many of them aren’t true, making it important that you seek clarity before achieving a straighter, healthier smile in adulthood. 

At Bailey Orthodontics, we understand how intimidating the orthodontic treatment process can be, no matter your age. But, those who are about their adult braces journey may feel especially nervous due to common myths they may have heard. If you are about to get adult braces but you’re feeling nervous, keep reading to dispel any of these concerns. 

Myths about Adult Braces

If you’ve ever felt self-conscious about your smile, you have likely considered getting adult braces. However, myths may have scared you away from seeking treatment. Some of the most common myths about adult braces include: 

1. Braces are Only for Teenagers

One of the most prevalent myths surrounding adult orthodontic care is that braces are exclusively for children and teenagers. While it may be true that orthodontic treatment often begins during adolescence, there is no age limit for braces. Adults of all ages can benefit from orthodontic treatment to address misalignment, improve their oral health, and enhance their smile. Whether you are in your twenties, thirties, or beyond, adult braces are a great way to invest in your oral health and increase your confidence. 

2. It’s Too Late for Braces

Many adults may feel that it is too late for them to pursue orthodontic treatment. Many adults undergo braces and other orthodontic procedures to improve their smiles and overall oral health. Whether you want to improve the appearance of your smile or improve your overall oral condition, it is never too late to reach out to your orthodontic team for help. With the guidance of a skilled orthodontist, you can achieve the smile you have always dreamed of and enjoy the benefits of a healthier, more confident smile. 

3. Braces Only Fix Cosmetic Concerns

While one of the benefits of seeking orthodontic treatment is the ability to achieve a straighter smile, this isn’t the only benefit of orthodontic treatment. If you experience problems associated with improperly aligned teeth, underbites, overbites, and more, orthodontic treatment is a great way to prevent them. Properly aligned teeth contribute to better oral health, improved bite function, and reduced risk of gum disease and cavities. Getting adult braces may also help alleviate jaw pain and discomfort associated with misalignment, enhancing your overall well-being. 

4. Orthodontic Treatment Takes a Long Time

It isn’t uncommon for individuals to avoid orthodontic treatment because they believe it will take too long. While the duration of orthodontic treatment varies depending on individual needs and the complexity of your case, advancements in orthodontic techniques have reduced treatment times compared to what they used to be. Additionally, if you seek orthodontic treatment like Invisalign, you may be able to complete your orthodontic treatment in even less time than you expect. If you want to invest in adult braces, it is best to speak to your orthodontist about orthodontic options and expected treatment time. 

5. Braces are Really Noticeable

Many adults may be concerned about the visibility of their braces, fearing that they will detract from their appearance. However, with advancements in orthodontic technology, it is possible for you to receive a more discreet orthodontic option, like ceramic braces or clear aligners like Invisalign. These newer orthodontic options offer a less conspicuous way to straighten your teeth, allowing adults to undergo orthodontic treatment with confidence and minimal impact on their appearance. It is important that you speak to your orthodontist about these options if you’re concerned about the appearance of orthodontic devices. 

6. Braces are Uncomfortable 

One misconception about adult braces, and braces for all ages, is that they are uncomfortable and painful. While you may experience a minimal amount of discomfort when your mouth adjusts to the braces, modern orthodontic techniques and materials have significantly minimized discomfort. Your orthodontist can provide solutions to alleviate any discomfort you may experience throughout the treatment process, ensuring a more comfortable experience. However, if you are experiencing unexpected discomfort, you should reach out to your orthodontic team for support as soon as possible. 

Orthodontic Treatment for Every Age

No matter what age you are, orthodontic treatment is a reliable way to improve your smile and overall oral function. If you are looking for a reliable orthodontic office to help you through your journey with adult braces, look no further than our team at Bailey Orthodontics. With years of experience helping patients across the Northern Utah area achieve the smile of their dreams, we’re confident that we can do the same for you.

Whether you are near the Bountiful or Farmington area, our team is here to answer any questions you may have. We also offer a variety of online resources to ensure you feel your best throughout the process. If you want to learn more about financing options and the services we offer, or if you’re a good candidate for adult braces, don’t hesitate to contact us today. 

Invisalign is an advanced orthodontic treatment that allows patients to change the appearance of their smile without having to wear traditional metal braces. While they have become increasingly popular, there are many pros and cons to seeking this Invisalign treatment. 

At Bailey Orthodontics, we understand how appealing Invisalign treatment can be for a variety of patients. However, it is important that you understand the benefits and drawbacks of relying on this treatment for changes in your smile. If you have been considering seeking Invisalign but aren’t sure if it is the right treatment for you, keep reading to learn more. 

What is Invisalign?

Invisalign treatment involves the use of a set of aligners that can straighten your teeth. Your aligners are custom-made to fit your current dental state and are adjusted every one to two weeks. Each tray will make minor adjustments to your teeth, much like braces. Once you begin your Invisalign treatment, you may begin to notice distinct changes in your teeth in a few weeks.

However, the treatment may take anywhere from nine months to a year and a half, depending on your current dental state. They are a great option if you want to avoid the traditional bracket-and-wire hardware that comes with traditional metal braces. Invisalign is an especially popular orthodontic option among teenagers who don’t want to alter the appearance of their smile with metal braces. 

While you may think Invisalign treatment is your best orthodontic option, there are many pros and cons to consider before making the leap. 

The Pros of Invisalign Treatment

Removable

Unlike traditional braces, Invisalign treatment allows you to remove the trays at any time you would like. With the ability to remove the trays, you can eat more of the foods you want, practice good oral hygiene, and feel more comfortable while adjusting to a new tray. Cleaning the trays is also much easier than keeping your braces, as lingering food particles are easier to remove. 

More Comfortable to Wear

Braces can be relatively uncomfortable to wear. With poking wires and bulky brackets, you may run into nicks and cuts that make the experience unpleasant immediately after getting them. However, by wearing Invisalign trays, you can avoid the discomfort that accompanies braces. If you’ve ever worn a mouthguard, wearing Invisalign trays is more similar to this experience.

Aesthetic Appeal

If your orthodontist has recently recommended your child get braces, they may be concerned about their aesthetic appearance. With Invisalign, you don’t need to worry about any aesthetic changes to your smile. Wearing clear trays won’t change the appearance of your smile and can help you or your child maintain smile confidence during treatment. 

Fewer Dietary Restrictions

When you get traditional braces, your orthodontist will recommend removing several foods from your diet. However, when you get Invisalign, you won’t have to worry about making any dietary changes. Because your Invisalign is removed before eating, you can enjoy your favorite foods without worrying that it will cause damage to the trays. 

The Cons of Invisalign Treatment

Only Effective for Some Bite Issues

While Invisalign treatment is a great option for many orthodontic patients, some bite issues are too severe for this treatment to be effective. Some orthodontic discrepancies like large gaps, overbites and underbites, and crowded teeth require more intense orthodontic treatment than Invisalign can provide. 

Expensive Investment

While braces are a costly investment, Invisalign is even more expensive. In addition to its more expensive upfront cost, these treatments may not be covered by your insurance. If this is the case, you may be required to pay for the full treatment on your own, which can set you back several thousand dollars. 

Attachments May Be Necessary

While the benefit of getting Invisalign is the lack of visible brackets and wires, some treatments may require attachments. While these attachments are designed to match your teeth, they do protrude and may be more visible than you realize. This may mean your smile experiences some unexpected aesthetic changes. 

Speech Impairment

Immediately following the insertion of your Invisalign trays, you may experience some speech impairment. While you adjust to wearing your trays, you might notice difficulty speaking and the development of a lisp. This should go away over time but may be frustrating to deal with while you adjust. 

Are Traditional Braces a Better Option for You? 

While you may believe Invisalign treatment is a reliable orthodontic treatment for you, that may not be the case. For some, traditional braces are capable of making more significant changes to your smile. If you are experiencing any of the following dental problems, traditional braces are a more reliable option for you:

• Crowded Teeth
• Small Dental Arch
• Large Gaps
• Intrusions and Extrusions

A Variety of Orthodontic Options from Bailey Orthodontics

Orthodontic treatment is a substantial investment, both in your time and money. Whether Invisalign treatment or traditional braces are a better option for you, our team at Bailey Orthodontics provides them all to ensure you get the best orthodontic treatment possible. In addition to providing a variety of orthodontic treatments, we provide our patients with a variety of online resources to ensure they can properly care for their teeth during treatment. 

Bailey Orthodontics recently reopened its Farmington, Utah location, and our team can’t wait to see you in the office again. Whether you’ve been seeing our team for a while or you’re just about to start your orthodontic journey, our new state-of-the-art facility is the perfect place for you to seek treatment. If you want to schedule an appointment to speak with our orthodontic team about beginning Invisalign treatment or you would like to speak to them about our financing options, don’t hesitate to contact us today.