Do All Braces Have Rubber Bands And What Do They Do?

When braces are put on the teeth it is to correct bite problems and in order to correct them that means the teeth must be moved to where they will be properly aligned in the mouth. In order to properly align the teeth the only way they can be moved is by placing pressure on them. This is where the bands are used, they are what places pressure on the teeth so the teeth can be moved. The braces alone are not able to do the job of moving the teeth alone, they need the help of the bands that are also called elastics.

The bands on the teeth must be changed two or three times a day in order to keep consistent pressure on the teeth. Not keeping consistent pressure with the bands on the teeth will keep the braces on the teeth longer. The bands are an effective method of moving the teeth into the positions that will give them a proper alignment over time.

It is widely understood that the bands are important to wear and because so many people that wear braces are children and teenagers the bands come in many different colors that allow them to also be fun not just a part of the appliances that are moving the teeth. One problem that bands do have, they can pop off, and this means that extra bands should be carried by anyone that wears braces.