How to Put Rubber Bands on Braces

Braces usually require rubber bands at some point during the process to help them complete their job of straightening out teeth. Understanding how to put on these rubber bands is important to wearing braces, as well as helping preserve the hardware of the braces.

Things You'll Need

• Gloves (optional)

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Instructions

• 1

  Open your mouth, or the mouth of the person wearing braces. Wear gloves if desired.

• 2

  Take two of the rubber bands out of the package. Usually the rubber bands go on the canine teeth brace pegs, but sometimes it is a different location. Set them aside.

• 3

  Locate the left canine tooth. Take one of the rubber bands, and loop it over the pointy edge of the brace peg on this tooth. Stretch it down to the tooth on the bottom row of teeth directly under it. Loop it onto the pointy edge of this brace peg that points towards the bottom gums.

• 4

  Repeat this procedure with the right canine tooth and bottom tooth under it.

• 5

  Open the mouth and make sure the rubber bands stretch correctly and do not break. The rubber bands may cause the teeth to become a little sore, such as when the braces were first put onto the teeth. They should be changed at least once a day, usually in the morning when you wake up.