The main advantage of rubber bands is that they can help provide extra force to move teeth into positions that braces cannot do independently. There are two main benefits of using rubber bands with braces, which overlap, in a sense. Benefits of Using Rubber Bands with Braces The configuration will either be vertical or diagonal-and sometimes, your orthodontist may give you a hook tool for easy insertion. Sometimes, your child's orthodontist may prescribe rubber bands, which attach to the braces on tiny hooks on the upper and lower brackets. So, where do the rubber bands come into play? The brackets and wires work together to put pressure on teeth to move them into the correct position over time gradually. Sometimes, the wires on some braces are held in place by tiny rubber bands, or ligatures, that come in various fun colors-though these are different from the rubber bands we're talking about here. Wires move the teeth, while brackets are attached to the teeth and hold the wires.
They have two main parts: brackets and wires.
Braces are the most common appliance used in orthodontic treatment. What are Rubber Bands for Braces and Why Are They Used?īefore we chat about rubber bands and their function, it's essential to first look at braces, how they work, and where rubber bands fit into the whole system.
