Why do I need to wear rubber bands with my braces?

Most of our patients will need to wear rubber bands at some point during their orthodontic treatment.  Rubber bands are usually used to correct your bite, making your top and bottom teeth fit together better.  One of the more common problems that Dr. Richards fixes with is an overbite.  Rubber bands help pull the top teeth back and the bottom teeth forward.

Rubber bands come in different sizes and strengths.  Also, there is numerous ways to wear rubber bands. When it is time for you to start wearing rubber bands Dr. Michael R. Richards and the team at Farr West Orthodontics will show you exactly how to wear them and provide you with the rubber bands that will work best for your mouth.  If you get confused on how to wear your rubber bands please call our office and let us know.

One of the best ways to keep on schedule for getting your braces off on time or even early is to diligently wear your rubber bands.  Unless Dr. Richards tells you otherwise, rubber bands should be worn around the clock.  The only time you should take them off is to eat and to brush and floss.  When you do take them out throw the rubber bands away and replace them with a new pair. 

You should wear them while you sleep, while you are at work or school, while exercising, and while relaxing. Weak rubber bands that are worn all the time work better than strong rubber bands that aren’t worn very much. If you lose or run out of rubber bands please call us or stop by the office and we will happily give you some more.