The small rubber bands attached to your braces are called orthodontic elastics and they come in a wide variety of stylish colours. Today, we share some interesting facts you should know about orthodontic elastics and how they can help your treatment have a successful outcome.
Orthodontists use two different types of rubber bands for orthodontic treatments. The first one is called ligatures. Ligatures wrap around each individual bracket to help keep the archwire in its place. They stay in place during the full duration of your treatment and are only removed by your orthodontist at your adjustment appointments.
Every treatment with braces requires ligatures, although, there is another kind of elastic that some patients require for extra support. These are called interact bands. Interarch bands work to correct your bite and align your jaw.
If your treatment requires interarch bands, we only recommend taking them out to eat, floss or brush your teeth, and only if required. Whatever your primary care dentist or orthodontist prescribes, you need to follow their instructions exactly, or you could put your treatment off track.
Typically, interarch elastics have to be replaced daily.
You are able to select the colour of your orthodontic elastics from a range of options. And you can choose to have their colours changed every time you see your orthodontist for an adjustment appointment. The sky's the limit when combining the colours you select, which could make braces treatment a bit more exciting for patients.
Sometimes people choose to have a fun rainbow smile that stands out, while other patients opt for a more discrete appearance and select clear or silver coloured elastics that blend in.
