Modern braces are composed of one bracket per tooth. On both the bottom row of teeth and the top row of teeth, the brackets are connected by an archwire. The archwire, in turn, is held down by small elastic ties. These are the three main components of braces: the archwire, brackets, and elastic ties.
Some patients require additional braces rubber bands, though. Also called orthodontic elastics, or braces elastics, these are not to be confused with the elastic ties that hold the archwires in place.
Let’s delve deeper into what braces elastics are and why they’re important.
Braces Rubber Bands vs. Elastic Ties
Braces rubber bands are not worn by everyone who wears braces, but all braces (other than clear aligner types) utilize elastic ties, AKA elastic ligatures, which come in a variety of colors.
Like elastic ties, braces rubber bands are sometimes available in different colors, but they are often clear or opaque.
Rubber bands help correct the alignment of the teeth or the jaw. When it comes to teeth, rubber bands can be worn horizontally to speed up movement. But if someone has an overbite or underbite, for example, their orthodontist will usually recommend a treatment involving rubber bands between the lower and upper jaws.
Braces rubber bands work by creating tension which helps to guide your teeth and/or jaw into proper alignment.
There are various “classes” of rubber bands for braces:
- Class 1: Used to close gaps between teeth
- Class 2: Decrease an overbite
- Class 3: Correct an underbite
What’s more, vertical bands help with open bites, and front cross elastics help correct crossbites.
What Are Triangle Rubber Bands for Braces?
Triangle rubber bands are usually used to correct bite gaps between the upper and lower jaws. Other shapes, like squares or crisscrossed configurations, are used for more complex movements, like shifting the jaw or addressing other bite issues.
Why Do Orthodontists Give Your Braces Elastics?
Braces rubber bands can be used to move either the teeth or the jaw, depending on the patient’s needs. Either way, they apply gentle and consistent pressure allowing for the intended movement to occur.
Many kids don’t like the feeling of rubber bands so they don’t wear them as often as they should. This can prolong treatment. So if rubber bands have been recommended for your little one, try to encourage them to wear them as often as possible!
When and How Long Do You Wear Rubber Bands?
The elastic ligatures that are attached to the brackets on the front of the teeth must always be worn. They are normally replaced at each orthodontic check-up appointment.
But just when do you start wearing rubber bands for braces? Specifically, what month do you get rubber bands for braces? That truly depends! Usually, your orthodontist will prescribe them after a few months of initial treatment. This is to ensure that sufficient progress has been made and that the elastics can work as intended.
It’s important to note that the exact timeline varies, so your orthodontist might suggest rubber bands after just a few weeks of treatment, after six months of treatment, or after a year or more of treatment.
Likewise, the amount of time you must wear rubber bands varies considerably based on how fast your teeth are responding to treatment and, as mentioned, how diligently you’ve worn your rubber bands.
Practical Tips for Wearing Braces Rubber Bands
How to Properly Wear and Store Rubber Bands
Your orthodontist will instruct you on the proper way to wear your rubber bands, walking you through how to apply them and in which configuration, based on your unique needs and treatment goals.
It’s important to wear them consistently and change them regularly (we’re talking once or twice a day as the elastic wears out) to maintain the right amount of pressure. Always keep your rubber bands in a safe, accessible place, and be sure to carry extra bands with you in case one snaps, which does sometimes happen!
Avoiding Loss of Rubber Bands
Braces elastics come in small plastic bags, usually about half the size of a snack-sized plastic bag, so they can be easy to misplace. Try keeping various bags of elastics in multiple places —like in a backpack, purse, car, medicine cabinet, or bedside table—so you always have them on hand. If you do lose a bag, contact your orthodontist ASAP to get replacements.
Schedule a Braces Consultation to Learn More
Do you suspect your pre-teen or teenager is ready for braces? Schedule a braces consultation with our Orthodontists team at The Super Dentists today!
