Getting braces as an adult or teenager is a big commitment. You’ll likely wear braces for 1-3 years depending on your specific orthodontic needs. Naturally, most people want to get their braces off as quickly as possible. This has led some to wonder if wearing double bands can speed up treatment.
Double bands, also called double ties, involve placing two elastic bands between the same brackets instead of just one. The goal is to apply extra pressure to move teeth more quickly. But does this DIY hack actually work?
How Do Braces Work?
First, it helps to understand how braces move teeth in the first place. Braces apply gentle pressure to teeth over an extended period of time. This pressure slowly encourages teeth to shift into proper alignment. Braces are attached to the teeth with bonding cement. An orthodontist then connects a wire to the braces to apply customized pressure.
Elastic bands connect the wire to the brackets on each tooth. The orthodontist chooses the thickness of the bands based on the amount of pressure needed. Thicker bands apply more force. The elastic bands are changed at each adjustment appointment as teeth start to move.
The Concept Behind Double Bands
Double bands take the concept of variable pressure a step further. By doubling up the bands, the idea is that it doubles the amount of force applied to the teeth. This extra force could potentially encourage teeth to move faster into the desired position.
Double bands gained popularity on social media sites like TikTok. Some users claimed their treatment time was sliced in half by doubling their bands. But is there any scientific proof that this DIY trick really works?
Orthodontic Research on Double Bands
There’s limited research specifically on double bands. But we can get some clues from orthodontic research on how force impacts tooth movement speed.
One 2015 study looked at light versus heavy force with ceramic braces. The researchers found that heavier force did NOT lead to faster tooth movement. However, it did cause more root resorption. This is a shortening of the tooth roots, which is irreversible.
A 2007 study had similar findings. They noted that heavier forces above a certain threshold do not increase tooth movement. Instead, heavy forces are more likely to cause tissue damage and loss of anchorage.
Based on this, doubling elastic bands is unlikely to make teeth move significantly faster. The extra pressure may even damage teeth and supporting tissues.
Risks of Double Bands
Not only are double bands unproven to work, but they also come with risks including:
- Tooth damage such as cracked enamel or root resorption
- Gum irritation, infection, or recession
- Discomfort or ulcers inside the mouth
- Broken brackets if too much stress is applied
- Slower treatment if any emergency repairs are needed
These risks likely outweigh any potential benefits of moving teeth faster. Because double bands apply concentrated force, they can do more harm than good if used long-term.
Professional Options for Faster Treatment
While double bands aren’t recommended, there are professional options for expedited ortho treatment. Talk to your orthodontist about whether any of these are appropriate for your situation:
- Ceramic braces – Move teeth up to 50% faster than metal braces.
- Invisalign – Can achieve results up to 30% faster than traditional braces in some cases.
- Surgical exposure – Frees blocked-out or impacted teeth quickly so they can move.
- Temporary anchorage devices – Miniscrews applied to the jaw provide improved anchorage, allowing faster movement.
- Interarch elastics – Rubber bands connecting the upper and lower arches can expedite bites being corrected.
Best Practices for Getting Your Braces Off Sooner
More than special products or hacks, getting your braces off sooner comes down to following your orthodontist’s instructions. Here are some best practices that can optimize your treatment time:
- Show up to all your adjustment appointments consistently. Rescheduling can delay progress.
- Take extra good care of your oral hygiene to avoid cavities or gum disease. These problems can set you back.
- Wear rubber bands or headgear as directed to enhance your treatment. Don’t skip them!
- Avoid hard, sticky, or crunchy foods that can damage braces.
- Stop any thumb-sucking or tongue thrust habits that counteract brace pressure.
- Use over-the-counter pain relievers as recommended by your orthodontist to ease discomfort after adjustments.
Talk to Your Orthodontist
The bottom line is that DIY shortcuts like double bands are risky and could derail your treatment. There’s no substitute for listening to your orthodontist’s recommendations. Be honest about what you’ve tried at home and discuss options to safely get your braces off ASAP.
With compliance to your custom treatment plan, you’ll get your new smile in the shortest time possible. Trying unproven tricks isn’t worth the potential downsides. Trust your orthodontist to determine the appropriate force levels and treatment pace for your situation.
The Takeaway
Does wearing double bands help you get your braces off faster? Based on current evidence:
- Double bands do not seem to speed up tooth movement significantly.
- Heavier forces above a certain threshold can damage teeth and tissues.
- There are safer professional options to shorten treatment time available.
- Following your orthodontist’s instructions is key for efficient treatment.
- Consult your orthodontist before trying any DIY shortcuts.
While the idea of faster results is appealing, double bands seem to offer more risk than reward. For the healthiest smile, stick to your customized orthodontic plan.