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.
