Rubber bands for braces, or orthodontic braces, are elastics that attach to braces for the purpose of straightening and correcting the alignment of the orthodontic patient's teeth.
To most people unfamiliar with orthodontics, the idea of rubber bands on braces seems weird. What are they for? How do you open your mouth with them? Do they hurt? On this site you can find out more information about elastics, why they are needed, how they work, when to use them, and even where to buy rubber bands for braces.
Why Use Rubber Bands for Braces?
Orthodontists recommend attaching rubber bands to braces of patients who need their top and bottom teeth straightened. Rubber bands for braces help move the upper and lower teeth relative to each other, ultimately achieving a better bite. The orthodontic rubber bands are typically effective for correcting overbites, underbites, or other types of alignments of the jaw. They are also useful for moving a tooth out of alignment or to close a space in the mouth.
These elastic bands are strong and can drastically speed up the time it takes to straighten teeth, especially if the elastics are worn 24 hours a day. The extra force may cause some additional pain and discomfort, although the pain usually goes away after wearing the rubber bands long enough.