If you’re anything like us here at Backus Orthodontics, you want to be informed about your or your child’s health. That makes sense! If you’ve clicked on this blog, somebody in your life either has or is getting braces, and you want to know more about them.
You’ve come to the right place!
Dr. Jeff Backus is an expert in the field, and we asked him to sit down with us and go over the question of what do rubber bands do for braces. They can seem like a nuisance, but it turns out there’s a lot of important stuff happening “behind the bands”! Read on to learn more!
Types of Rubber Bands
First of all, when we talk about rubber bands for braces, we’re really talking about two different types: Ligatures and Elastics. Depending on your or your child’s particular case, Dr. Backus may only require the first type of band or the ligature.
In either case, both types of orthodontic rubber bands (really, elastic bands, as these aren’t your typical rubber bands!) are more sophisticated and comfortable than you may remember from high school! Let’s learn a little bit more about each:
Type #1 – Ligatures
No matter what treatment plan Dr. Backus has developed for you or your child, if it involves traditional braces (metal or ceramic), it will include ligatures. These are the tools interwoven on each bracket. Ligatures are designed to hold the archwire in place with the correct tension to your teeth to affect the desired outcome. These are one of the most critical parts of any braces setup.
The ligatures stretch and wear out over time, so a unique tool called a Mathieu Plier replaces them at necessary intervals. Usually, at least one or two will be replaced during your child’s monthly visit. Additionally, The entire set will be replaced once the next phase of treatment is reached.
At Backus Orthodontics, we offer a variety of fun color options for ligatures. Just ask, and we can deck them out in your favorite sports team or even school colors!
Type #2 – Interarch Bands (Elastics)
Interarch bands, sometimes referred to as elastics, are an essential part of some treatment plans. Typically employed in the case of an over or underbite, interarch bands are not as intertwined with the mechanism as ligatures. They consist of a simple set of exterior bands connected to the brackets at strategic points using hooks. They run between the upper and lower jaw and will help to apply specifically directed pressure toward correcting your bite.
Dr. Backus can set the position of the interarch bands at specific points, depending on the type of bite problem. They are designed to be removed by the patient and should be taken out to brush and floss and, depending on direction, to eat.
These are an important part of many treatment plans, and when used correctly, they can drastically reduce the time required to fix your or your child’s smile and bite!
Call With Questions!
Now that we’ve talked about the different types of rubber bands used in braces, you might be wondering whether braces are right for you or your child. Well, you’re in luck! Backus Orthodontics is Hoover’s one-stop smile shop!
Dr. Backus grew up right here in Hoover, and he cares about you and your child’s smile. He knows that you’re not just a customer, you’re a community member, and that’s why we’re all so grateful that you’ve taken the time to read up on your orthodontic treatment options with us!
Consultations are always 100% free of charge, so call us today and let’s give you something to smile about!