What Do Rubber Bands Do For Braces

At Cowan & Whitaker Orthodontics, we understand how crazy it can be to adjust to braces. Getting braces is a big transition for anyone, especially with the addition of extra care techniques like rubber bands. Learning new ways of eating, brushing, flossing, and attaching and removing rubber bands daily can be a challenge. 

It’s your job to care of your teeth throughout your orthodontic treatment, and it’s our job to make that process as simple as possible through support and education. Let’s spend a few minutes learning more about rubber bands, why they are such a valuable part of your treatment, and how to set yourself up for success when using rubber bands!

Why Are Rubber Bands Necessary?

There are many ways for orthodontists to align your teeth and jaw, but the combination of braces and rubber bands is one of the simplest. Most patients prefer the ease of rubber bands compared to bulky and unmanageable headgear, plus, tooth-colored rubber bands blend in with your natural smile or you can choose colored elastics to add some fun and personality to your grin!

Rubber bands are especially useful when correcting bite alignments like overbites or underbites, and closing gaps or spaces between your teeth. Rubber bands come in different sizes, colors, and resistances. Drs Cowan and Whitaker are experts at using rubber bands to assist with teeth and jaw alignment and will give you exactly what you need, along with detailed instructions and support on how to use them most effectively. 

On the days when it feels tedious to keep removing and attaching slippery bands remember that you are actually partnering with your doctor to help move your teeth more efficiently. Rubber bands come in to create resistance between the bottom and top sets of braces to shift your align your teeth and jaw. 

How To Use Your Rubber Band

Putting in a rubber band is pretty straightforward. At your appointment, one of the hygienists at Cowan & Whitaker Orthodontics will demonstrate how to secure a rubber band along the top bracket on one side of your mouth, and attach it to the bottom bracket. You’ll typically do this on each side of your mouth, depending on your orthodontist’s recommendation. 

We typically request that you wear your rubber bands 24/7, removing them only for meals and to brush and floss teeth. It’s especially important to keep them on when sleeping, and to change the bands after each removal to ensure cleanliness. Be sure to keep an extra bag of elastics on hand, and to only use the rubber bands that Cowan & Whitaker Orthodontics supplies. 

Get Your Free Orthodontic Consultation

Regardless of whether you end up needing braces, elastics, or some other form of orthodontic care, Drs Cowan and Whitaker are ready to support your treatment. Well-known in the Tuscaloosa area for their excellence in orthodontics, we know you’ll end up with a sparkling smile. Schedule your free consultation today!