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What role do elastics (rubber bands) play in orthodontics?

Wearing orthodontic braces may be the best choice for correcting your teeth and improving your smile, and that’s why you’ve come to see Dr. Sal Zammitti at Zammitti Orthodontics. Braces, which consist of brackets and wires, work by gently applying pressure to the teeth, and that pressure causes them to move into the correct position. In some cases elastics, or rubber bands, are used to apply additional pressure needed to move your teeth.The Purpose of Elastics Customized for each patient, the rubber bands typically stretch over tiny loops on the top and bottom brackets. If worn consistently, and every day, these tiny elastics will apply the steady pressure needed to guide your teeth into the correct position.

These elastics are crafted from medical-grade latex, which is safe to be in contact with your mouth. It’s common to remove the elastics during meals if opening your mouth wide enough to eat is difficult. Our staff will demonstrate how to affix the elastics so it will soon become second nature to replace them.

The Do’s and the Don’ts

DO – Get in the habit of carrying around extra rubber bands and replace them as soon as one breaks. By consistently wearing the elastics, you may shorten the overall time needed to wear braces.

DON’T – Double up on elastics as this will cause too much pressure on the tooth or teeth and can actually harm the root of the tooth.

DO – Always wash your hands before removing or replacing the rubber bands.

DON’T – Overstretch the rubber band or it will lose its strength and it will be ineffective.

DO – Call us if you run out of rubber bands.

DO – Have fun with your braces and elastics. There are many different colors available that can let you show off your soon-to-be perfect smile.

Rubber bands are a key part of your orthodontic treatment, and learning how to remove and replace them is an important part to maintaining your braces. Before we set you on your journey to a perfect smile, we’ll make sure you understand all there is to know about how to take care of your braces. Of course, if you have any questions about your orthodontic treatment, or orthodontics in general, be sure to contact our Concorde, NC office, and our staff will be happy to assist you!

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The first step toward achieving a beautiful, healthy smile is to schedule an appointment. Simply select a location below, then choose the time and day that works best with your schedule.

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Patient Testimonials

We Love Making People Smile

Hear what our patients have to say about their experience with us!

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I went for my consult today and loved every minute. The staff was so nice and special shout out to Karen, the treatment coordinator, whom I absolutely ADORE! She’s very thorough with all... the information she provides and answers any and all questions. Would so far definitely recommended them!read more
Heavon J.
I love all the Ladies at the Harrisburg Office. I am going to miss seeing them when my son Zachary's braces come off. Would definitely recommend.
Gypsy C.
Great customer service great experience on today she made my son Son feel at ease
Dorothy B.
I enjoyed my visit for the very first time the staff made me feel comfortable from the time I walked in. Everything was just great about the office. I highly recommend.!
Shacoria C.
We had a great experience! Dr Matt is very friendly and thorough and great with kids!
Lori B.
Matt is a great provider. His team works hard and are very kind/polite. My daughter felt very comfortable in their care. I highly recommend this practice.
Danielle D.
Very clean, safe, friendly and dedicated staff! I’m excited to get serviced by staff!
Jaz
I want to say I visited a Orthodontist today named Zammitti &Gidaly in DavidsonWelcoming and professionalism.Thank you Dr.Gidaly and Karen for your great smiles that meet us this... morning!!!!Excellence in what they do!!!Rev.Jettonread more
Etheleen J.
We had a great visit and consultation. Dr. Gilday helped us understand where we are right now, gave us a timeline for orthodontic needs, and answered all our questions.
Casey V.
Everyone was so nice and explained in great detail what my son needed . It didn't feel like a sales pitch, it was in the best interest of my son and our concerns. Looking forward to them... helping my son be more comfortable and confident.read more
Steph
Lovely facility, amazing staff and outstanding customer service/ expertise. So glad we found this office !
Chamasha T.
The staff was beyond helpful and kind. Dr. G was patient and very knowledgeable. Great experience!
Katie R.
Amazing experience. Everyone is kind and professional at this location. Karen is a true sweetheart. Dr. Gidaly is straightforward & professional. You will not be disappointed!!!
Keana C.
WOW! Just WOW! Absolutely detest dental work due to previous experiences at a dentist's offices being so traumatic & the judgement I feel at the practices I've been a patient at. Not to... mention, the use of what I feel are scare tactics or at least come across that way. Therefore, I was definitely nervous about my initial ortho consultation with Dr. Zammitti...dreading the possibility of hearing all the things that are wrong & ugly about my teeth along with the pressure of having to have everything "fixed". My experience couldn't have been any further from that. I couldn't have asked for a better experience from the moment I walked in & met my treatment coordinator to the moment I left & everything in between. My treatment coordinator respected my "dental anxiety" & couldn't have done her job any better. Dr. Zammitti is hilarious to me, I'm not sure why but I find him very funny....and BRILLIANT! Like super BRILLIANT! He actually sat down at a desk with me to talk!!!! He explained things in normal human language that made sense. He didn't try to boast how intelligent he is or the endless list of credentials by throwing out tons of medical terminology that could be intimidating & cause someone to become overwhelmed. I didn't feel judged or criticized. I felt like his approach was more of "this is what I can do to make your smile perfect" rather than "you need to do this or all these bad things are going to happen". Everything was clear & I felt like I had a choice. My treatment coordinator explained the financials, which also made me feel like I had options. Because of my initial experience,I chose to follow Dr. Zammitti's suggestions toget braces. Dr. Zammitti & the assistant, Nathalie,were both very gentle putting braces on...BUT they also worked quickly which was crucial for me....yet I felt like if I had needed a break at any point,they would have been completely fine with it.l & wouldn't have grown impatient. I HIGHLY HIGHLY recommend this practice!!!! If you want your smile to be as flawlessas possible ....GO HERE!!!read more
Kelly L.
We had a great experience with Dr. Gidaly. He is kind and patient, never forceful in his approach. My daughter was a little nervous about starting orthodontic treatment, but Dr. Gidaly... made her feel completely at ease from the first visit.read more
Matt K.
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    Davidson, NC 28036
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    Harrisburg, NC 28075
Concord, NC
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Harrisburg, NC
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