Red braces rubber bands

Red braces bands are elastic ligatures that hold the archwire in the bracket and can be changed at adjustment visits.

In conventional fixed braces, each bracket is bonded to a tooth and the archwire sits in its slot. A small elastic ligature, sometimes called a module, secures the wire; red is a colour choice rather than a separate orthodontic mechanism.

Clean around the brackets with a fluoride toothpaste, an interdental brush, and the tools recommended by the orthodontic team. Avoid hard or sticky foods that can dislodge a bracket, and follow the scheduled wire-adjustment visits.

Contact the orthodontic team if a band or bracket comes off, the wire pokes, or a bracket rubs the cheek. Seek prompt care for facial swelling, severe pain, or injury involving the teeth or jaw.

Ask whether coloured elastic ligatures are suitable for your appliance, how often they will be replaced, and what to do if they stain or loosen. Ask which foods and cleaning aids fit your particular brackets and wire.