What do you do if one of your rubber bands fall off braces?
What to Do if a Braces Bracket Ligature Band Comes Off. The ligature is the tiny rubber band that’s stretched around the bracket. Its job is to hold the wire to the bracket so the wire can deliver force to the teeth and move them. If your rubber ligature comes off, try to put it back in place with sterile tweezers.
Is Elastic the last stage of braces?
Rubber bands are used to correct your bite to its ideal position. Simply put: Your braces will not come off until your bite is correct, so your cooperation to wear your rubber bands faithfully is essential to complete your treatment as soon as possible.
What are orthodontic ligature ties?
Connected elastic ligatures—also called power chain or c-chain ligatures—come in a variety of colors and strengths. These are used by your orthodontist to close spaces between the teeth or move specific groups of teeth together at the same time. Connected elastic ligatures may be changed at each appointment.
How often should you change your orthodontic elastics?
every 3-4 hours
Make sure to change your elastics every 3-4 hours and at least every 12 hours because they lose elasticity over time. Make sure to use the proper elastics and see that they are properly attached to the brace bracket – use a mirror if necessary.
How often are ligatures changed?
every 4-6 weeks
But believe me, in most cases, it’s only the elastic ligatures. Really! And those get changed by your orthodontist every 4-6 weeks. So the next time you have an adjustment, the stained ligatures will be replaced with fresh new ones and your braces will look white and perfect again.
What is the purpose of elastic ligatures on braces?
The Purpose of Elastic Ligatures on Braces. The small rubber or metal elastics, more commonly called “rubber bands,” that surround your braces are technically called elastic ligatures. A ligature is used primarily to keep the archwire held into the slot on the bracket but they can also direct the teeth in a particular direction,…
Is it bad to wear elastics with braces?
Wearing Your Elastics with Your Braces. The pressure from the elastics moving your teeth and jaw will cause some discomfort, but over time, it should start to minimize. Over-the-counter pain medicine may be taken if the elastics are causing any kind of discomfort. Sometimes the rubber bands can break while in your mouth.
Why does my orthodontist change my elastics every appointment?
Your orthodontist will change your elastics at every appointment because this type of ligature loses strength over time. Depending on how the elastic is tied onto the tooth, a varying degree of force can be applied to the teeth, effecting a greater or lesser degree of adjustment to the structure of your teeth.
How do you know if your braces are not fitted correctly?
If you need to relieve the pain from your rubber bands or your braces, it should require nothing more than a little ice or a mild pain reliever. If you require more remedies than just this, it is a sign that your braces are not fitted properly and you need to visit your orthodontist again.