If you’re one of the many people who are self-conscious about their smile, Ollins Orthodontics can help! We offer a variety of orthodontic treatments, including braces. One of the most popular methods is using rubber bands. This blog post will discuss everything you need to know about rubber bands, how they work to straighten your smile, and what to expect during treatment.
What are rubber bands?
Rubber bands are small, elastic bands that are used to help move teeth into their proper place. They usually come in different sizes and colors and can be worn on the top or bottom set of braces. In addition, rubber bands may attach to the brackets on the braces and can be adjusted as needed. Drs. Bruce and Gabriel Ollins may use several types of rubber bands to enhance your braces treatment:
Oties
Oties are the tiny rubber bands that attach the brackets to the archwire, applying just enough pressure to move teeth into their proper place.
Elastics
Elastics are strings of rubber bands that apply more force when applied to the braces. This helps create a more efficient treatment plan. They can also help correct overbite and underbite issues.
Power chains
Power chains consist of several interconnected rubber bands but are applied differently than elastics. These are most often used to close gaps between teeth.
How do rubber bands work?
Rubber bands place pressure on the teeth, which helps move them into their desired positions. They can also help you achieve a more comfortable bite and improve your overall oral health in the long run.
The Ollins Orthodontics team will determine what size and how many rubber bands you need to achieve the best results. Depending on your needs, we may also recommend a specific rubber band.
What types of orthodontic issues can rubber bands solve?
Dr. Bruce and Dr. Gabe use rubber bands to help accelerate their patients’ treatment. They can help:
- straighten teeth
- close gaps between teeth
- reduce overbite and underbite issues
- improve jaw alignment
No matter what your orthodontic concerns are, our orthodontic experts will find the perfect way to incorporate rubber bands into your treatment.
What should I expect during treatment?
During your treatment, Dr. Ollins will assess the progress of your braces and adjust the rubber bands as necessary. They may add or remove some bands to create a more efficient treatment plan. Ollins Orthodontics also provides instructions on properly caring for your rubber bands. It’s essential to follow these to get the best results from your braces treatment.
It’s normal to experience some soreness in the mouth as you get used to your rubber bands; however, this is only temporary and will quickly subside! You’ll want to make sure to change them frequently or as prescribed by Dr. Ollins. This usually involves switching them out for new ones after each time that you remove them to eat or for any other reason. Of course, the frequency will depend on your lifestyle and activities!
Experience the Ollins Orthodontics difference!
At Ollins Orthodontics, Dr. Bruce and Dr. Gabe want you to have a beautiful and healthy smile. With the help of rubber bands, they can ensure that your braces treatment is as effective as possible. Contact our office today for a free consultation and start your journey to a perfect smile!
