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An appliance with a little pull.

Rubber bands are the engine that provide the force to slide teeth along the railroad tracks, the wires. For rubber bands to be effective they must be worn 24/7. If rubber bands are removed, teeth immediately stop moving. When rubber bands are replaced, it takes extra, time for the teeth to start moving again. So they have to be worn all the time, even during meals. Don't worry if you accidentally swallow a rubber band, it works out all right in the end.

Carry rubber bands with you all the time. If one breaks, replace it immediately. Don't wear one side without the other, unless specifically told to do so, or it can pull teeth sideways. If your braces should break, stop wearing all of your rubber bands and call the office immediately. If you run low, call us before you run out, and we will mail you another pack.

Rubber bands will make your teeth sore for the first few days. When your teeth get sore, don't stop wearing your rubber bands (or your time in treatment will be extended). Take an analgesic and work through it. Once your teeth get used to moving they will stop complaining.

One last word of advice; if you shoot your rubber bands across the room, don't use the new ones, use the old ones (they stick better).

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