Dental Rubber bands, also called dental elastics, are used with braces to put extra force to certain areas of the mouth.
Its main purpose is to correct a misaligned jaw and other uses. Depending on its uses, rubber bands are made of different materials and different sizes and force categories are available.
I. Reason to Use Dental Rubber Bands
The reason why dentists or orthodontists put dental rubber bands between teeth is that molars usually grow too close between each other, without any space. The aim of dental rubber bands is to create little space between these molars for dental health and good appearance.
The dental rubber band is an essential dental tool to help move the teeth and jaw to the proper alignment. It’s a practical treatment method to initiate the biologic mechanisms that allow teeth to move correctly.
II. The Period of Wearing Dental Rubber Bands
The period of wearing dental rubber bands should be relied on the specific demands instructed by the dentists, like from 1 month or to 6-8 months. It’s necessary to wear them all the time to finish the entire dental treatment procedure, including when you sleep at night.
If you quit wearing the dental rubber bands for few days, like only 2-3 days, it seems ok but the treatment is stopped halfway. Consequently, it will take more time for you to finish the entire orthodontic treatment, as the correction of bone growth is not an easy job.
It’s important for patients to positively comply with the treat procedures made by your dentists or orthodontists. They should clearly realize that the wearing of dental rubber bands in a specific period like weeks or months is very necessary, as well as any other orthodontic treatment. It can’t be done in few days to correct the present orthodontic problems. In most cases, it takes few months for the dental rubber bands to work.
The purpose of orthodontic treatment is to provide the proper pressure on your teeth and jaws and help them grow in the right direction. If you forget to wear the rubber bands for a day, follow the normal treatment procedure as soon as possible again. Please remember that the constant wearing can shorten the treatment period.
Other orthodontics products may also be needed during the treatment.
III. Specific Treatment Demands in Orthodontic Treatment
Dental rubber bands are usually used with metal braces in the orthodontic treatment, in order to gradually align the patient’s bite. There’re a variety of types and sizes of dental rubber bands for different bite issues, relying on the specific demands of different patients.
The dental rubber bands should be changed in accordance with orthodontist’s instructions, as the bands will strength and elasticity after being used for some time.
IV. Worries from Patients
Some people may think it’s little dangerous to put rubber bands on your teeth, as they may bring potential risks and damages to teeth and gum. Actually, in modern dentistry, the use of dental rubber bands is very wide and mature. The feedback from patients tends to be positive and promising. Thus, there’s no need of worrying about them ruining your teeth, gum, bone or tissues. It’s just a practical part of modern orthodontics.
Patients may feel painful or uncomfortable in the first few days. But please don’t worry, because it won’t take too long before the pain disappears.
Don’t double up on rubber bands, as it will result in extra pressure to the teeth and lead to potential damages.
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