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Dentistry/Rubber Bands on Braces

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Expert: - 7/3/2005


Question
Hello Dr., I hope you don't mind but I have a question regarding rubber bands for braces. I am 25 years old and have had braces for the past 6 months. I recently had my first adjustment and was fitted with a new wire, power-chains on upper and lower teeth, and last but not least, rubber bands. I was not expecting all of the new hardware and I have an issue with wearing them as directed. I have them in a box formation, so I'm supposed to have 2 in at a time. I was instructed to wear them 24 hours a day and only take them out for eating and brushing.

My dilemma is that I will be starting a sales job in which I will not be able to wear them for at least 8 hours a day, five times a week. I was thinking of using four bands, two on each side when I am not working. The rubber bands affect enunciation with some words and would have a negative impact on my presentation skills. I am willing to endure a longer treatment period because of my situation. I am in a catch22 as the job has monthly quotas as well as dental insurance that is paying 50% of my treatment. Sorry for the long-winded question, any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance.

Best Regards,

Bill Tonelli  

Answer
Bill,
Teeth move best when subjected to continually applied, optimal level forces.  By increasing the force level (doubling the elastics) to compensate for non-continuous forces you may be serously impeding your progress.  This is an example where too much of a good thing does no good at all.  Excessive forces cause a condition that creates excessive mobility of the teeth and prevents tooth movement altogether.

I strongly suggest you discuss your situation with your orthodontist before you modify the recommendations made.  Meantime, how about just toughing it out and seeing if you're more adaptable than you give yourself credit.  You might just surprise yourself.

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Dr. Randolph Myerson

Expertise

Please limit your inquiry to questions about orthodontics (braces) and children's dentistry. I am both an Orthodontist and a Pediatric Dentist, having been trained in both of these dental specialty fields. Orthodontics is the dental specialty that treats problems of tooth, bite and jaw alignment using braces and removable appliances. Pediatric Dentistry is the dental specialty also known as dentistry for children, which deals specifically with the dental problems of this special age group from infants to adolescents. I am also experienced in Forensic Dentistry, the application of dentistry to law enforcement and identification using dental records.

Experience

I have been in the private practice of orthodontics and pediatric dentistry for over 20 years. Prior to that I served for three years on the Cleft Palate and Cranio-facial Reconstruction team at Children''s Hospital of Philadelphia and was an Assistant Professor of Dentistry at University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine. I also served as a dentist in the U.S.Air Force, stationed at Andrews AFB in Washington, DC.

Organizations
I am a Fellow in the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, and a member of the American Association of Orthodontics, as well as a member of the American Dental Association and the Dental Society of the State of New York.

Education/Credentials
I received my BA in Biology from Frankin & Marshall College in 1969, and my dental degree from University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine in 1973. In 1978 I received both my Certificate in Orthodontics from University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine, and my Certificate in Pediatric Dentistry from Children''s Hospital of Philadelphia after completing a three year Teaching Fellowship in Orthodontics and Pediatric Dentistry in 1978.

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