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You may have seen rubber bands in someone else’s braces at some point and you may wonder what they can do? Essentially, opting to get braces is a decision that you and your dentist or orthodontist can both make and the advantages that you can derive from this choice include straightened teeth, aligned jaw and a beautiful smile. They work by putting pressure against the teeth especially the crooked ones and aligning them little by little for months, years or until they get the job done. They can also improve and correct any bite problems and can prevent the risk of bone and tooth loss as well as the risk of any oral infection along the way.
So where do rubber bands fit in the picture? Small rubber bands that secure to tiny hooks on your braces can help move or align each tooth or several teeth. They can complete the task of straightening out your teeth by applying the needed tension and dentists usually recommend one rubber band to attach from the top part of your brace to the bottom wire of each side of your mouth. The aim is for the upper teeth to move relative to the lower jaw and braces can’t do this as they only work independently to address the upper and lower arch.
For some, these bands may be placed diagonally or in whatever pattern that can help exert adequate and constant pressure. Basically, orthodontists can teach you how to apply the rubber bands after months of changing and if you used up all the bands then you are advised to have your supply refilled. Just remember not to stretch your mouth that wide to cause the rubber bands to extend and break. Overall, it’s vital to know that when you have these medical devices and accessories, additional care for your teeth is needed.
If you already have braces, rubber bands are usually applied for the alignment of your teeth into its particular position or direction. Basically, your orthodontists are the one who applies the rubber bands but there are instances that they require you to do it on your own. They may instruct you on the step by step detail on how to attach the rubber bands on your braces, but the actual thing of doing it is definitely difficult. There are even times where you need to have an instruction list at hand to perform it properly.
So, initially, you have to hold the rubber band in your left hand. Then, open your mouth while getting the rubber band on the particular bracket. Try to hook the rubber band within the bracket. Then just hook it to the opposite bracket (e.g: if you start at the bottom, then do top, or the other way around).
Or, you can also facilitate the alternate method, but first ask your orthodontist for a hook material that can help you attach the braces on your braces. When you’re ready, get the particular rubber band, then, put it on the hook. Don’t allow it fall. Place it where you are want to put it. You need to place it inside a particular bracket. You can do either the bottom or top first, whichever you prefer. Just make certain you’re doing it right. Then, hook it up and set that area of the rubber band on the other side, in which you first put a part of your rubber band on.
In order to perform it properly with less difficulty, here are some helpful tips you can apply to make it more convenient for you.
- When the rubber band is simply too small, request the orthodontist for any new size rubber bands.
- It’s more useful to hook this rubber band at the bottom bracket first.
- You might not have the ability to hook a straight line, rather you might want to hook this rubber band on the top, then move it over a little towards the bottom. (All of this is dependent in your orthodontist’s instructions. Follow their instructions because they are professionals).
- Practice it while watching mirror, just 3 tries each day or perhaps in between lunch and breakfast!
- Relax, take deep breathing, and don’t be in a hurry!
- Don’t panic or get frustrated in your first couple of days, it will not enable you to get anywhere!
Smile is one of the most important aspect of one’s personality. Sometimes, it serve as a foundation of one’s confidence. In a performance or a presentation, it is the action the makes the result worth remembering for. However, not all people are blessed with the perfect smile. Science and technology have come up with a process that can make every smile in the world perfect. Orthodontist applies wire clips and strings that moves the teeth into its proper position or in what other people would know, it is the application of braces. In this process a rubber band is also applied in each bracket. Others may perceive as a form of fashion statement, but little do people know, it actually has its own purpose.
The rubber bands are small elastics that are called as elastic ligatures. It is applied in each wire clips and brackets in one’s braces which is responsible for aligning your teeth in its particular position and direction. Well, it is mostly depends on the ligatures being used. These ligatures can be elastic or metal which is categorize into three groups – single elastic ligature, connected elastic ligature and the stainless steel wire ligature.
As for the single elastic ligature and connected elastic ligature, both are elastic rubber bands with various colors to choose from. Orthodontist usually change each elastics at every appointment, depending on the force and strength applied into the teeth that helps with the alignment. But, connected elastic ligature or the c-chain ligatures basically responsible for closing gaps between teeth or moving group of teeth at the same time.
Stainless steel wire ligature is also used the same way as the elastics one, but this material offers more security for the bracket and the teeth. It is often used to straighten out twisted or turned teeth. So, it is important that the wire is securely tied into the bracket.
These adjustments done by your orthodontist at every visit is definitely painful. Well, to acquire the result you desire, you really have to endure the pain. Besides, with the perseverance of adhering to the treatment process, braces application is already guaranteed effective.
Taking care of your teeth may be easy enough so long as you regularly keep visiting your dentist and have a dental insurance plan to begin with. In cases of orthodontic care, you can simply talk with your tooth doctor about the course of getting the braces, its maintenance as well as its removal. Of course, that includes the use of accessories and ways to sustain the braces.
When you talk about rubber bands for your braces, it involves selecting the right kind to provide added tension to align your teeth. Apparently, there are several brands and designs that you can pick out there and knowing what to look for is necessary. You can start by getting suggestions from people you know who have used rubber bands for their braces or you can go look for ideas where to get a good one through your orthodontist. If these options don’t turn out useful, you can go online and search for some valuable products in different sites. For instance, you can visit eBay and get some bands at a price. But the most common way of obtaining rubber bands is through your orthodontists as they may have some stocks on hand if you feel the need to have yours refilled.
Indeed, why use rubber bands? It’s the prescribed choice for anyone with braces and every dental professional endorses their use since major improvement for your teeth is easily evident. The tension that these bands can place on your teeth reduces the time or years that you have to wear the braces. Overall, the progress and the duration of your worn braces are affected and choosing the color and the type of rubber bands to use can add to the fun and effectiveness of these dental accessory.
