Pro's & Con's of Using Rubber Bands
Feb 13, 2017
Are rubber bands for gap closure truly effective? Are there any side effects that come with adding bands for closure? Let’s see and find out.
Small metal-based squares called brackets are placed right at the center of your teeth with a wire sewing through each square from tooth to tooth. This wire is responsible for the force that pushes or pulls teeth to the desired placement. To stabilize the wire onto the bracket, a rubber band called ligature is wrapped around it for security. For added momentum, an additional orthodontic rubber band is encircled between two adjacent brackets. But how safe are these?
- Inexpensive and readily available
Most dental rubber bands sell 100 bands in a pack for an affordable price depending on the brand. These tend to ease up the wallet as you only need at least once a day.
- Easy to apply and manipulate
As these just need one to wrap a band around two brackets, it is easily donned and doffed by the user and does not waste time when engaging in meals and bedtime routines.
- Impermanent
When not used consistently, these bands cannot fulfill thorough gap closures, especially when you do not follow your schedule. Bands are often worn for 12 hours, taken off during meals and sleeping.
- May cause slight pain
As with all dental procedures, there is a little pain that comes with the price of beauty. Although the pain is not excessive, it may still cause some discomfort to wearers.
Be wary when using orthodontic bands! And always visit your dentist in Indianapolis IN for consultation.