The rubber bands on braces apply additional pressure to move your child’s teeth into the proper position. Braces consist of brackets and wires, which gently apply the appropriate amount of pressure to the teeth to help them move into the correct place.

Braces, including rubber bands, can help treat conditions that impact your child’s teeth and jaw by forcing the teeth and jaw into new positions.

The archwire provides the force needed through the brackets to help shift the teeth, and the rubber bands apply additional pressure to specific areas.

To fully understand the process of braces and correcting your child’s teeth, you likely want to know what the rubber bands on braces are for.

What Do Rubber Bands Do For Braces?

Rubber bands work with the brackets and the wires of your child’s braces to straighten their teeth and correct their bite.

Typically, rubber bands help correct an underbite or an overbite, but they can also be used to help shift the teeth into a position that the braces cannot do alone.

It is essential to understand what are rubber bands for braces and why they are important. If your child does not wear the rubber bands recommended by their orthodontist, it can cause the teeth to relapse and delay the treatment.

What Are The Five Stages of Braces?

There are five stages of braces throughout your child’s orthodontic treatment.

1. Consultation Stage

A typical consultation will last around 20 minutes to one hour, depending on the severity of the case. During this stage, your child will have impressions taken of their lower and upper teeth, and they will have an evaluation of their bite.

The orthodontist will discuss the solutions, risks, alternatives, or limitations before deciding on a treatment plan.

2. Bonding Stage

The bonding stage is when your child is fitted for braces. The brackets are placed on their teeth, and the wire is fitted. Your child will choose the color of their braces and rubber bands.

3. Regular Adjustment Stage

The regular adjustment stage consists of routine appointments every six to eight weeks to make adjustments and monitor your progress. The braces will be adjusted, and the rubber bands will be changed.

4. Debonding Stage

This stage is when the braces are removed. The brackets are taken off the teeth, and the teeth are polished. The orthodontist will take photographs of your child’s teeth.

5. Retainer Stage

The last stage is the retainer stage. This is when your child gets their retainers, and an appointment will be made to monitor their teeth further. The retainer must be adjusted and tightened to fit correctly within the mouth.

How Long Do You Wear Rubber Bands for Braces?

The amount of time your child must wear rubber bands depends on their bite and the required adjustment. To see what bands do for braces, the rubber bands must be worn as the orthodontist recommends.

They may only need to wear the rubber bands for one month, or they may need to wear them for as long as eight months. The rubber bands must be worn 24 hours a day unless the orthodontist recommends differently.

Are Rubber Bands the Last Stage of Braces?

Rubber bands are not the last stage of braces, as they can be worn at any time throughout treatment. The final braces stage is the retainer, worn to prevent the teeth from shifting again after braces.

Final Thoughts

What are rubber bands on braces for? The purpose of rubber bands on braces is to add additional pressure on the teeth to help them move into the proper position.

Now that you understand what the rubber bands on braces are for, the process of braces and rubber bands for your child should seem more straightforward. Learn More About Our Types of Braces today at Bergen Orthodontics!