Why Am I Using Rubber Bands with Invisalign? Cosmetic Dentist Milton Keynes
What Are Rubber Bands Used For With Invisalign?
Invisalign aligners straighten your teeth but they don’t change how your upper and lower jaws meet, this is also the same for other clear aligners and traditional braces. To enable your jaws to be realigned to their desired position rubber bands need to be used.
Invisalign aligners move your jaws using rubber bands (also know as elastics bands) – they are used to correct either an overbite, an underbite or an anterior open bite or to preserve your bite:-
- An overbite is when the last molars of your bottom jaw are further back than the last molars in your upper jaw
- If you are treating an overbite you will have the bands attached from your upper canines down to your lower molars. (Canines are the three pointed teeth either side of your mouth top and bottom)
- An underbite is when the first molar on your bottom jaw shifts forward compared to the first molar on your top jaw
- If you are treating an underbite you will have the bands attached from your top back molar to your lower canines
- An anterior open bite is when your front upper and front lower teeth slant outwards and don’t touch when you close your mouth
- If you are treating an anterior open bite you will have the bands attached from your top front teeth to your bottom front teeth
- To preserve your bite, once your jaws have reached the ideal position you will have the bands attached to the same tooth top and bottom
Invisalign is an almost invisible alternative to traditional braces as it uses clear plastic aligners that fit over your teeth to reshape your smile. Aligners are generally replaced roughly every 2 weeks.
Why don’t I have rubber bands on my Invisalign Aligners?
If you only need your teeth straightened and your jaws are well aligned you may not need to use rubber bands.
How visible are the rubber bands on my Invisalign Aligners?
When you speak, you move your jaw, this is harder to do when you are wearing rubber bands on your aligners, most Invisalign dentists will advise you to only wear your rubber bands at night time, this is generally long enough to attain the desired effect. If you have a more severe case of mis-alignment you may need to wear your rubber bands during the daytime. Your Invsalign dentist will advise you.
Your elastics will lose their elasticity over time, so it’s important to change them regularly.
If you have a latex allergy remember to tell your Invisalign dentist as rubber bands are latex
Non latex alternatives are usually available
How to care for your Invisalign
Even though you’ll replace your Invisalign aligners every two weeks, you do need to clean them twice a day.
- Rinse your aligners with water each night
- Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and toothpaste clean away any food that stuck to your aligners
- Store your aligners in their protective case when you’re not using them – especially if you have dogs as they love the smell of them!
- Take out your aligners and elastics when eating to ensure you don’t damage them
- Try not to drink anything but water when your aligners are in – you can easily stain your aligners – then they won’t be so invisible!
- Do not clean your aligners with hot water – Invisalign are formed by heat, and excessive heat can leave you holding a flat aligner
- Brush and floss your teeth regularly
Dr Teresa at Appledore is a Platinum Invisalign Dentist. She is currently having Invisalign treatment herself as is Yvonne our Finance & Marketing Director, proving that age really is no barrier to straight teeth.
At Appledore Invisalign is available for all ages from teens upwards. As long as you have your adult teeth you can consider Invisalign.
Contact us today and ask for a FREE online initial consultation where you can discuss your smile with Dr Teresa. Just fill in the online contact form and we’ll be in touch.
