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Individuals around the globe love the benefits offered by Invisalign clear aligners. From the discreet nature of the treatment to the fact that no metal brackets or wires are needed, patients have been thrilled with the treatment since it was first marketed in 2000.
Invisalign aligners are clear, comfortable, and easy to remove. When our dentist, Dr. Sanjay Dhir of Dhir Dentistry, recommends Invisalign to his patients in San Diego, California, there are certain questions patients ask. One of those regards is if Invisalign utilizes rubber bands in treatment. Let’s learn more!
Rubber bands, also called elastics, are sometimes necessary for the Invisalign treatment. Not every patient will require them, but for those who need them, the elastics help apply the necessary forces required for optimal results. Elastics are particularly helpful for clear aligners in correcting occlusion and anterior-posterior discrepancies.
Elastics used in the Invisalign treatment are tiny rubber bands that connect your top and bottom teeth. When these rubber bands are needed, they will attach to tiny hooks built into your aligners or onto an attachment called a button. Dentists know that one of the primary reasons patients seek out Invisalign is the discreet nature of the treatment. While elastics and other attachments can make the treatment more noticeable, Invisalign is still a more discreet option than other orthodontics.
Elastics are only necessary when extra force is needed to help guide your teeth into their proper location. They will help improve your bite alignment. In most cases, you will wear your rubber bands as often as your aligners (a recommended 22 hours per day). They can be removed when you are ready to eat, drink, or brush your teeth, just like your aligners.
When you are ready to learn more about Invisalign or if you want to schedule an appointment with Dr. Sanjay Dhir and the team at Dhir Dentistry, please call (858) 358-5801.