How to Use Rubber Bands for Braces
During orthodontic treatment, your orthodontist may introduce you to a new type of rubber band that you need to start wearing. They may seem overwhelming in addition to your braces, but they play an especially important role in properly aligning your teeth. At Intermountain Dental Specialists, we want every patient to be well-educated on each phase of treatment.
Types of Rubber Bands
If you have braces, you should be familiar with the different types of rubber bands used for treatment. Ligatures are the small rubber bands that your orthodontist replaces at each appointment. They are attached to the metal brackets after the archwire is tightened, to anchor the archwire in place and slowly move your teeth into their correct position. Ligatures should only be removed and replaced by your orthodontist; don’t try to do it yourself.
Interarch bands are usually introduced when a patient is 4-6 months into their orthodontic treatment. Interarch bands are used to fix overbites by attaching them to the upper front teeth and running down to the lower back teeth, and they can fix an underbite by going from the upper back teeth to the lower front teeth.
How to use interarch bands
Follow these tips to have the best and quickest results from interarch bands:
When first using interarch bands, use a mirror to put them in place. Pretty soon you will get the hang of it and won’t need a mirror.
Always remove them when you eat and brush your teeth.
Replace them every single day.
If one band breaks, replace both bands so there is an equal amount of tension of both sides of your jaw.
Only use interarch bands provided by your orthodontist.
Wear them exactly how your orthodontist has instructed you to.
For more help using interarch bands, please call or stop by Oasis Kids and Orthodontics!