Battle of the Bands

Either or during the time you are wearing your braces, you will probably encounter some type of band. They all have different purposes. Here are some common types.

Crisscross bands: These are circular rubber bands that go from either the top right of your mouth to the bottom left, or top left to the bottom right of your mouth. These bands fix asymmetrical jaw growth which is where one side of your jaw grows forward faster than the other side does. The bands force the side that’s growing faster to “hold up” for the other side.

Top bottom bands: These bands stretch from the top right to the bottom right or top left to the bottom left, and are much thicker
than the crisscross bands. Top bottom bands make sure that when you bite down all your teeth line up. The first time I, Erik, wore my top bottom band I made the mistake of yawning. Of course the rubber band snapped inside my mouth which, I’m sure you can imagine, did not feel very good.

Spacers: These are little rubber bands that the orthodontist will push in between your two back molars on the top. This is usually done before you have your braces put on to make room for the bracket that goes on your back molar. The orthodontist usually will give you replacements, since spacers are easy to dislodge.

After the first week all these bands get easier to deal with, but you will always wake up a bit sore. Oh and by the way, the orthodontist will usually supply you with the bands so make sure to ask for a fresh bag of them when you go to get your braces tightened!

-Erik and Amanda