If you wear braces, you will usually also be prescribed an elastic band to help you straighten your teeth. These rubbers are easy to install as long as you have patience, but adjusting can take a while. Always follow the orthodontic doctor's instructions when using rubber stirrups.
Step
Part 1 of 3: Connecting the Rubber Band
Step 1. Get instructions from an orthodontist (dentist)
When prescribing braces and rubber bands, the orthodontist should also discuss usage guidelines with you. Rubber braces are placed in a variety of ways depending on the structure of the mouth and the problem the orthodontist wants to correct. It's a good idea to ask all the questions you have about this elastic. If you don't understand a part of the instructions after leaving the doctor's office, ask over the phone.
Step 2. Learn the different parts of braces
Elastic bands are usually attached to the hooks on the stirrup. Learn the different parts of the stirrup before trying the rubber.
- Braces have brackets, which are triangular structures positioned in front of the center of the teeth. Brackets are usually attached to an archwire, which is a small metal thread between the brackets.
- If you need rubber, hooks or small buttons will be strategically placed in different parts of the stirrup. This is where you will attach the rubber. The number of hooks or buttons you have, and the location of each, depends on the position of the rubber stirrup.
Step 3. Attach the vertical rubber
Vertical rubber is one of the most common forms of braces. This vertical rubber is used for occlusion of crooked teeth.
- For vertical rubber, there are 6 hooks in total. Two hooks will be between the upper canines, which are the pointed teeth around the corners of the mouth. Four of the hooks will be in the lower mouth, two between the lower canines on either side of the mouth, and two more on either side near the molars. Molars are large teeth at the back of the mouth.
- You will use two rubbers. On both sides of the mouth, wrap rubber bands around the top hook and bottom hook to make a triangle shape.
Step 4. Find out how to mount the cross rubber
Cross rubber is also one of the common configurations for stirrups. This rubber is usually used to correct overbite (upper teeth are more advanced than lower teeth).
- You will only use one cross rubber. On the left or right side of the face, there are two studs leading to the upper molars on the side of the teeth facing the tongue. The other studs will be on the lower molars on the side of the tooth that is facing away from the tongue.
- Connect the rubber between the two buttons, starting with the top button.
Step 5. Install Class 2 and 3 rubber
Class 2 and 3 rubbers are variations of cross rubber used to correct other dental problems.
- Class 2 rubber is also used to repair overbites. The orthodontist can prescribe this rubber instead of the cross band depending on the type of overbite you have. In the upper canines, there will be a hook on the side of the tooth that is facing away from the tongue. The other hook is on the lower teeth attached to the first molars. This hook will also be on the side of the tooth that is facing away from the tongue. Attach the rubber from the first hook to the second hook.
- Overbite usually has another negative part called over jet, which means there is a gap between the upper and lower teeth when closing the mouth. Class 2 rubber is also used to repair over jets.
- Class 3 rubber is used to repair the underbite (lower teeth are more advanced than upper teeth). There will be hooks on the lower canines, on the side of the tooth that faces the tongue. The other hook is on the upper teeth on the first molars, on the side facing the tongue. Wrap rubber around these two hooks.
Step 6. Use the Front Box Rubber
The Front Box rubber is used to correct an open bite, which is a condition when you can't completely close your mouth.
- This rubber will use four hooks, two above and two below, which are found towards the front teeth of the lateral incisors. These teeth are teeth that are smaller than exactly between the central incisors, or large front teeth, and canines, which are pointed teeth on the sides.
- Connect the rubber between the four hooks and make a square shape.
Part 2 of 3: Taking Care of Your Teeth
Step 1. Understand the need to wear rubber
Many people do not like to put rubber on the stirrup. However, dentists prescribe this rubber for a reason. Understand the reason why sometimes rubber stirrups are needed.
- The braces themselves adjust the row of teeth so they are straight. The rubber works by pulling the jaw forward or backward to align the teeth properly so they fit when you bite.
- The rubber plays an important role in adjusting muscle reflexes so that you bite in the right position. So, rubber stirrups must be used, even if it feels awkward at first.
- If you have an extensive overbite or underbite, you may be prescribed an elastic band. Wear it as directed by your doctor and take it off only when you are going to brush your teeth.
- You should also check the stirrups to make sure the rubber is in the correct position as directed by the orthodontist. Take a photo of the position of the rubber in the doctor's clinic and use it to compare it at home using a mirror.
Step 2. Change the rubber three times a day
Unless the orthodontist or dentist tells otherwise, the rubber should be changed three times a day because over time its elasticity decreases. Change the rubber stirrup before going to bed and after eating so you don't forget.
Step 3. Replace lost or broken rubber as soon as possible
If the rubber breaks or falls during sleep and can't be found, you need to replace the rubber stirrup immediately. Rubber must be worn 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Every time you don't wear rubber braces, the day of dental treatment will pass you by. This can cause you to have to wear braces for longer than you feel comfortable with.
Part 3 of 3: Getting Used to Rubber Braces
Step 1. Anticipate pain in the teeth
It takes time for your teeth to get used to the rubber. So anticipate your teeth will hurt for the first few days.
- The pain in the teeth when wearing rubber braces is usually most severe in the first 24 hours. After that, you can wear rubber braces without much pain.
- If the pain is still intense, consult an orthodontist so that the use of rubber braces can be eased instead of wearing them all the time.
Step 2. Prepare the spare rubber stirrup
The braces your orthodontist prescribes are usually quite strong, but they can still break or fall off. Always have spare rubber handy. If you travel, keep a spare set of rubber stirrups in your pocket or small bag.
Step 3. Choose the preferred color
Rubber stirrups are available in various colors. Many people feel bad about wearing braces, and experimenting with the color of the rubber can make the braces look more attractive.
- Try matching colors for a special occasion; for example, you could wear black and orange rubber for Halloween.
- Ask for rubber stirrups in your favorite color. Some orthodontic clinics even make neon or glitter rubber braces for teenagers and teenagers.
Tips
- Make sure you monitor the supply of rubber stirrups and ask your orthodontist again if supplies run low.
- Wear your rubber braces at all times, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
