What Do Rubber Bands Do for Braces?
Stretchy and resilient rubber bands (also known as “elastics”) are the unsung heroes that give your braces their smile-transforming superpowers. Applying targeted pressure to specific areas of your smile plays a key role in helping to adjust your bite and guide your teeth into just the right spots.
At Thrive Dental, we primarily use 3/16 of an inch in diameter rubber bands that come in different thicknesses. The thicker the band, the stronger the force. So, we might start you off with a thinner band to ease into things, and then as you get used to it, we’ll work up to a stronger one.
Class 1 Rubber Bands
Class 1 rubber bands are mainly used to close small gaps between teeth. They’re attached only to the top teeth or only to the bottom teeth, not across both. At Thrive Dental, we honestly use Class 1 rubber bands only once in a blue moon, but they can come in handy when there’s a little space that needs closing.
Class 2 Rubber Bands
These are the ones you’re most likely to wear if you’re correcting an overbite. Class 2 rubber bands connect from your upper canine to your lower first molar. Think of it as pulling your top teeth back and your bottom teeth forward. If your bite isn’t quite even on both sides, you might just wear them on one side to bring things back into alignment.
Class 3 Rubber Bands
Class 3 rubber bands do the opposite of Class 2. They’re for fixing underbites, where the lower teeth stick out too far. We attach them from your upper molar to your lower canine, so they pull the lower teeth back and push the upper teeth forward, working to bring your bite together.
Triangle Rubber Bands
Triangle rubber bands are often used toward the end of treatment. They’re attached in a triangular shape, usually from your upper canine to two lower teeth, to close any remaining gaps and ensure your teeth fit together perfectly. If you have an open bite, these are a great option to align your teeth.
When Do You Start Wearing Rubber Bands for Braces?
We typically introduce elastics for braces in the middle to later stages of your treatment. This depends on how your teeth are moving and the goals we’re aiming for. At Thrive Dental, we check your progress regularly and add rubber bands to your routine just when they’re needed to get the best results.
How Much Should Rubber Bands Be Worn?
For most of our patients, we recommend wearing rubber bands 24/7. Yes, that means day and night, sleeping, work, school – everywhere. The more you wear them, the more effective they are at moving your teeth. But sometimes, you might only need to wear them part-time. This could be because you’re close to the end of your treatment, and we’re just making small adjustments or stabilizing the results you’ve already achieved. In these cases, it’s important not to deviate from the prescribed wear schedule, as overuse can lead to overcorrection, necessitating further adjustments.
How Often Should I Change My Elastic Rubber Bands?
Rubber bands lose their strength over time, so we suggest swapping them out three to four times daily. Fresh rubber bands maintain steady pressure, which helps your teeth move more consistently. That’s why we send you home with plenty of extras—so you can keep that smile progress on track!
What Do Different Rubber Band Positions Do?
Each rubber band position serves a specific purpose, helping move your teeth or correct your bite differently. Here are a few examples:
- Top to Bottom (Class 2): This position pulls your upper teeth back and brings your lower teeth forward, which is perfect for fixing overbites.
- Diagonal (Class 3): Attached from an upper molar to a lower canine, this position works to bring the upper teeth forward and lower teeth back, helping with underbites.
- Triangle: Rubber bands placed in a triangle from your upper canine to two lower teeth are great for closing gaps and aligning your bite vertically.
Express Yourself With Colored Rubber Bands for Braces
Who says braces can’t be fun? With colored elastic bands for braces, you can turn your smile into a canvas and let your personality shine through. Match them to your school colors, favorite sports team, outfit, or mood.
- Blue says … I’m in a state of Zen-like calm, above it all, just like the blue sky.
- Red says … I’m full of energy and passion, ready to take on whatever comes my way.
- Green says … I’m feeling fresh and renewed, connected to nature and growth.
- Purple says … I’m tapping into my creative side, feeling dreamy and imaginative.
- Yellow says … I’m bursting with optimism and cheerfulness, spreading sunshine wherever I go.
- Pink says … I’m like cotton candy at a fair: sweet, embracing my softer side, and bringing joy to others.
- White says … I’m a blank canvas ready for new beginnings.
At Thrive Dental, we’re all about helping you express your unique style while crafting that perfect smile. So go ahead, pick your colors, and brace yourself for compliments!
Are Elastics the Last Stage of Braces?
Not necessarily! Rubber bands are often used toward the end, but they’re also used throughout different stages of treatment depending on what we need to achieve. Sometimes we start rubber bands early to correct a bite issue, and other times they come into play later to make those finishing touches. It all depends on your unique treatment plan.
Learn More About Elastic Rubber Bands at Your Thrive Dental Visit
Rubber bands are essential to getting the best results from braces, whether you’re in for clear braces, metal braces for teeth, or other orthodontic options. If you’d like to learn more about how we use rubber bands or how we personalize treatment, feel free to contact a braces orthodontist at Thrive Dental. Visit our locations page to schedule your appointment and start your journey to a confident smile!
