If you are wondering what those small rubber bands are attached to your braces, we can help. They are called Orthodontic elastics and they come in a wide variety of colours. In this blog, our orthodontists at SmileTown Orthodontics Braces & Invisalign discuss orthodontic elastics and how they contribute to a rewarding orthodontic treatment.
There are two types of rubber bands available that could be used as part of your orthodontic treatment. The first is called ligatures. Ligatures are wrapped around each bracket to keep the archwire in its place. The ligatures stay in their spot for your whole treatment and can only be removed by your orthodontist at your adjustment appointments.
Every braces treatment requires ligatures, but, there is also another kind of elastic that some patients need for further support. Orthodontists call these Interarch bands. Interarch bands help to correct your bite and align your jaw.
If your treatment requires Interarch bands, you should only remove them to eat, floss or brush your teeth, and only if necessary. Whatever your personal dentist or orthodontist prescribes, you need to carefully follow their instructions, or you risk putting your treatment off track.
Interarch elastics usually have to be replaced daily.
You can choose the colour of your orthodontic elastics from a variety of colour options. You can even decide to change the colour every time visit your orthodontist for an adjustment appointment. The sky's the limit when combining the colours you choose from, which could make your treatment with braces a bit more fun.
Sometimes patients choose to have a fun rainbow smile that really stands out, while other people go for a more discrete look and pick clear or silver coloured elastics that blend in.