Straighter teeth can give kids of all ages a boost of confidence! Additionally, straighter teeth are easier to keep clean. At Helotes Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics, we offer several orthodontic options to fit your child's smile goals and oral health needs.
Traditional braces are an effective and affordable orthodontic solution for many patients. This versatile treatment can address mild, moderate, and severe alignment issues, including issues like overjets, underbites, crossbites, and overbites. Plus, modern dental technology has made traditional metal braces more comfortable than ever before, with smaller and flatter brackets.
Today, we want to talk about the different kinds of rubber bands for traditional metal braces.
Elastic Ligature Rubber Bands
Braces are composed of brackets, archwires, and elastic ligature rubber bands. The brackets are the square metal pieces bonded temporarily to the teeth during treatment. An archwire is threaded through the slots of the brackets. The archwire and elastic ligatures provide the forces that gently move the teeth. These delicate elastic bands are wrapped around the individual brackets to hold the archwire in place and must be replaced by your child's orthodontist at every visit since they gradually stretch out. They come in a variety of colors so a child can customize their braces to their style or the season.
Interarch Rubber Bands
Some patients need another type of band called interarch rubber bands to adjust their bite and jaw position. These large bands are looped around hooks on the top and bottom brackets of your child's teeth in a special configuration unique to their alignment needs. If these rubber bands are necessary for your child's treatment, our team will give them specific instructions on where and how they will place them. Patient compliance is critical for success! Interarch rubber bands need to be worn as much as directed, are replaced every day, and removed before eating.
Braces for Kids in San Antonio, TX
Contact us to learn more about our orthodontic options or to schedule your child's free orthodontic consultation at Helotes Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics in San Antonio, TX.
Contact Helotes Pediatric Dentistry Today!