Rubber bands, also known as orthodontic elastics, are used with braces to apply additional, consistent force to specific areas in the mouth to help move teeth and jaws into proper alignment. They complement the work of braces by enabling movements and bite corrections that braces alone cannot achieve effectively
What Rubber Bands Do for Braces
- Correct Bite Issues: Rubber bands help fix malocclusions such as overbites, underbites, crossbites, and open bites by guiding the jaw and teeth into better positions
- Align Teeth and Jaws: They assist in moving groups of teeth or entire dental arches, ensuring the upper and lower teeth fit together properly when biting
- Provide Targeted Force: Rubber bands apply force in specific directions to achieve precise tooth and jaw movements that braces alone may not accomplish
- Speed Up Treatment: The consistent pressure from rubber bands can accelerate tooth movement, potentially shortening the overall orthodontic treatment time
- Require Patient Compliance: Since rubber bands need to be worn as instructed and changed regularly, they involve active patient participation, which is crucial for successful treatment outcomes
How Rubber Bands Work
Rubber bands are attached to small hooks on the braces and can be placed in various configurations depending on the treatment needs. They pull the jaw forward or backward or adjust the position of teeth by exerting gentle but constant force
Types and Uses
- Rubber bands vary in size , force , and material (latex or latex-free) to match the specific requirements of the treatment
- Different classes of rubber bands (Class I, II, III, Vertical, Cross) are used to address different orthodontic issues like minor adjustments, overbite correction, underbite management, and bite alignment
Summary
Rubber bands are an essential part of many orthodontic treatments with braces. They enhance the effectiveness of braces by applying extra force to move teeth and jaws into correct alignment, fix bite problems, and speed up treatment. Proper and consistent use of rubber bands as directed by an orthodontist is vital for achieving the best results
