Understanding Braces Bands: Types, Purpose & What to Expect

Your braces may include thin metal bands glued or cemented to your teeth. Your orthodontist will decide whether you need bands as part of your teeth straightening experience.

Definition

• Bands wrap around each tooth and are cemented in place with dental bonding agents. The orthodontist attaches brackets to the bands.

Types

• Bands can be stainless steel, clear or tooth-colored. The clear or tooth-colored bands are less noticeable than stainless steel bands, but they are also more expensive.

Spacers

• If your teeth are close together, your orthodontist may need to use spacers between your teeth for a few days. Spacers move your teeth apart from each other so the orthodontist can apply bands.

Sizes

• Dental bands come in 50 different sizes. The orthodontist will measure your teeth and try bands on your teeth to find the right size.

History

• Until the late 1970s, people with braces had bands on all their teeth. Then, adhesives became available that allowed orthodontists to glue brackets directly to teeth. Today, orthodontists do not use bands or only place them on the patient's back teeth.