What Is the Purpose of Rubber Bands in Braces Treatment?

Many patients coming in for the first time find themselves a bit curious about the ins and outs of their orthodontic treatment. So Dr. Mack and the Mack Orthodontics team will provide some information on the rubber bands we use in certain cases. So we’ll get into what the purpose of rubber bands is in your braces treatment. Let’s discuss the type of rubber bands we use!

Types of Rubber Bands

There isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach to rubber bands, actually. Dr. Mack will use several different types depending on the patient’s needs. 

  • Class I: These are used for closing spaces between teeth.
  • Class II: This class often corrects overbites by connecting the upper front teeth to the lower back teeth.
  • Class III: Typically used for correcting an underbite, these connect the lower front teeth to the upper back teeth.
  • Other Configurations: Depending on the orthodontic issue, rubber bands can be arranged in triangle, box, or straight-line configurations.

Do I Need Rubber Bands?

Our team at Mack Orthodontics will be able to determine whether or not rubber bands will be an asset to your treatment, but here are some of the common reasons we might decide you don’t need them. 

  • If your braces alone are enough to correct your alignment or bite issues.
  • If your treatment plan doesn’t involve complex bite or jaw corrections.
  • If you’re using alternative treatments like Invisalign, where rubber bands are less commonly needed.
What Is the Purpose of Rubber Bands in Braces Treatment?

How Do They Work?

Rubber bands have several main functions in orthodontic treatment. We can use them to address specific issues in addition to aligning your smile.

1. Correcting Bite Issues

  • Rubber bands are usually used to fix problems with your bite, like overbites, underbites, or crossbites, by fixing the position of the upper and lower jaws. They connect specific points on the braces, and apply targeted pressure to bring the jaws into the correct alignment.

2. Enhancing Tooth Movement

  • Since braces move teeth in various directions, rubber bands guide your teeth in additional ways if needed, like pulling them closer together or adjusting them vertically. They’re especially useful for providing extra force that braces can’t apply by themselves.

3. Improving Jaw Alignment

  • Rubber bands can also assist in realigning your upper and lower jaws, so they meet correctly per the patient’s facial structure. This can be necessary in creating a more balanced bite and improving overall jaw function, as well as making life more comfortable for Dr. Mack’s patients.

4. Speeding Up Treatment

  • Rubber bands can accelerate the process of tooth and jaw movement through their additional and continuous pressure.

5. Stabilizing Treatment Progress

  • Rubber bands also provide stabilization by maintaining the results achieved during orthodontic treatment and ensuring teeth and jaws remain in their revised positions as treatment progresses. 

FAQs About Rubber Bands

Q: Can I reuse rubber bands?

Sadly, no! Rubber bands should be replaced pretty often since they lose their elasticity over time. They are intended for one-time use to be effective. 

Q: What if I’m allergic to latex?

If you have a latex allergy, our office should be notified well before your treatment begins. We are happy to provide latex-free rubber bands, which function exactly the same and will be safe for use.

Q: Can I double up on rubber bands to speed up the process?

Some patients attempt this—but it really doesn’t work out how you might think! Wearing extra rubber bands at once or doubling up can actually place too much pressure on your teeth and cause damage or set back your treatment. Dr. Mack’s regimen for your rubber bands is specific to your needs— so follow along closely.

Q: What happens if I don’t wear my rubber bands as instructed?

Not wearing your rubber bands as instructed can have serious consequences for your overall treatment plan. Skipping them may extend the duration of your braces wear or even introduce new issues.

Q: Can I use any rubber bands I find if I lose my rubber bands?
It’s important to only use the orthodontic rubber bands provided by Mack Orthodontics. These rubber bands specifically come in specialized sizes and strengths to ensure the correct force is applied. Using other rubber bands, like small ones used to style hair, could potentially damage your teeth or braces.

Q: Will I need rubber bands for the entire time I have braces?
It depends! Rubber bands are often used during a specific phase of your orthodontic treatment to correct bite issues. So you may only need them for a few months—this will depend on Dr. Mack’s custom treatment plan for you, though.

What Is the Purpose of Rubber Bands in Braces Treatment?

Slow & Steady Wins the Race…

So as you can tell, rubber bands are yet another factor in orthodontic treatment that hinge on your compliance as a patient. Following our guidelines ensures successful results! Whether you’re a new or returning patient, we look forward to seeing you in Burlington or Hillsborough soon.