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DIY Banding with Rubber Bands on Braces

Go The Extra Smile!

Garlock Orthodontics
June 14, 2021

Braces and other treatments used to align teeth are expensive – there are no two ways about it. In fact, proper orthodontic treatment generally starts at around $5,000 and only goes up from there. This is why some people try to find less conventional methods to close the spaces between their teeth, which wouldn’t cost them an arm and a leg. One of the most common of such treatments is DIY gap bands.

What are Gap Bands?

DIY Banding or Gap Bands are simply elastic bands that are placed around two teeth to bring them closer. This isn’t typical treatment and can lead to severe consequences – even causing you to lose a tooth or two.

Why Are Gap Bands Harmful?

Generally, orthodontic bands that are used with traditional braces are used as gap bands. However, they aren’t designed to serve this purpose. Therefore, using them for this DIY method does not come from a medical point of view.

There have been no studies to understand how gap bands work or if they’re even effective at correcting the alignment issues of the teeth. The little research that does exist only shows how harmful this DIY method is for your teeth and gums.

Not only do these gap bands cause a lot of pain and discomfort, but they can even lead to dental issues that may not be able to be fixed later on.

It is very common for these gap bands to slip down your teeth and into the gums. In addition to causing unbearable pain, this can begin to damage gums and destroy the soft tissues and bones that hold your teeth in place. And the worst part is that they tend to make the alignment of your teeth even worse. So, if you aim to improve your smile, you may ultimately find that you’ve made it worse using this DIY method.

Instead, consult a dentist for proper treatment. Otherwise, it is better to leave your teeth alone. If you live in Centennial, Foxfield, or Ponderosa East, consider visiting Garlock Orthodontics for a consultation now.

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Today’s a great day to learn more about orthodontic care and how we can help you change your life. It’s time to go the extra smile!

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We will always take time to make sure you’ve been seen, heard, and treated with the highest level of care. You’ll notice that you are treated like family right away. Hear what our patients have to say about their 5-star Garlock experience!
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Victoria K.
Always a great experience at Garlock Orthodontist. I appreciate the kind staff, always easy to book an appointment and Dr Garlock is always very friendly, helpful and knowledgeable about the best plan for my son. We are on phase 2 and it has been a great experience! My son broke a wire at school and we were able to make same day “freakout” appointment to get it fixed before the weekend! Extremely thankful! We are halfway done and can’t wait to see the final results!
Response from the owner:Thank you for your wonderful review! We're thrilled to hear about your positive experiences with our team and Dr. Garlock. Your son's progress is exciting, and we look forward to seeing the final results together!
Shauna W.
Dr. Garlock and his staff are a fantastic team to work with. My son has been a patient for many years needing everything from mouth expanding, reverse face mask, and two rounds of braces no one’s fault nature of the long process. Over the years they were always kind, patient, and explained every step of the way. I loved calling to make appointments, confirm appointments, or have to cancel and talking to Tina was my absolute favorite. I highly recommend Garlock Orthodontist to any one and everyone even if you aren’t asking for a recommendation they will be getting one from me anyway.
Response from the owner:Thank you for your generous review, Shauna. It's wonderful to hear about your positive experiences with Dr. Garlock and our team, especially Tina. Your recommendation means a lot to us!
Phil B.
Always a good experience. The office and clean and inviting. The staff are all very friendly and Dr. Garlock always takes his time with our kids.
Response from the owner:Thank you for your kind words, Phil. We’re thrilled to hear you appreciate the welcoming environment and the care our staff provides, especially Dr. Garlock's dedication to your children. Looking forward to your next visit!
Siera S.
Garlock is so cool. Very oriented to tweens/teens with their office, rewards program, and overall vibe. Dr Garlock is great, personable and communicative. Everyone we’ve come across in the office is knowledgeable and helpful. Makes going to the ortho fun for my daughter instead of having to dread it. So happy with them!
Oh and also my daughter’s teeth look great already and we’re barely halfway done!
Response from the owner:Thank you for your wonderful feedback! It's fantastic to hear that both the atmosphere and Dr. Garlock’s approach have made orthodontic visits enjoyable. We appreciate your support and look forward to seeing those amazing results continue!

Danielle K.
They have top of the line equipment, they are efficient, the office is beautiful and everyone is happy and welcoming. It’s fantastic!!
Response from the owner:Thank you for your wonderful feedback, Danielle! We’re delighted to hear you appreciate our advanced equipment, welcoming atmosphere, and beautiful office. Your satisfaction is our top priority, and we look forward to your next visit!
Lourdes P.
Dr. Garlock is great as well as his associate. The whole staff is amazing. My kids enjoy going there and very please with their smile in their one yr process
Response from the owner:Thank you, Lourdes, for your positive feedback! We're thrilled to hear you had a great experience at Garlock Orthodontics. Your satisfaction is our top priority. We look forward to seeing you again!
Liza G.
Garlock Orthodontist is an amazing place. The customer service is hands down the best from the moment we walked in to the moment we left. The staff is incredibly friendly, and Dr. Garlock is so kind and takes the time to explain everything in detail. We really appreciated being given options on how we wanted to proceed. Highly recommend!
Response from the owner:Thank you for your kind words, Liza! We’re thrilled to hear you experienced exceptional service and thorough explanations. Your recommendation means a lot to us. We look forward to seeing you again!
Bri
First time experiencing Invisalign & I’m so glad I chose the right place. They’re very welcoming & thorough & have made me feel very comfortable & confident in my decision. Highly recommend Garlock Orthodontics in Aurora, CO!
Response from the owner:Thank you for your kind words! We're thrilled to hear that you felt welcomed and confident with your Invisalign experience. Your recommendation means a lot to us. We appreciate you sharing your thoughts!
Danielle L.
Garlock Orthodontics is amazing! Friendly staff, efficient appointments, and great results. Highly recommend!
Response from the owner:Thank you for your exceptional feedback, Danielle! We're thrilled to hear that you enjoyed our friendly service and efficient appointments. Your recommendation means a lot to us! We look forward to seeing you again.
Melanie C.
Office staff is awesome! My daughter’s teeth came out beautifully, we are very happy with them. The whole process was a great experience.
Response from the owner:Thank you for your kind words, Melanie! We're thrilled to hear that you had a wonderful experience and that your daughter's smile turned out beautifully. Your satisfaction means a lot to us!
Mindy P.
Garlock Orthodontics has been amazing in caring for my kids’ teeth. The staff is incredibly kind, always taking the time to answer all our questions. They’ve been so helpful that I ended up bringing my other daughter there as well. Scheduling is easy, and the team is great about getting my kids in quickly for any issues, like a broken bracket or wire.
Response from the owner:Thank you for your wonderful review! We're delighted to hear that you and your daughters have had such positive experiences with our team. We're committed to providing exceptional care and support. Looking forward to seeing you again!
Jodi H.
Our experience with Garlock Orthodontics has been pretty much perfect. Never have issues being seen asap for when wires get too long and are poking or a bracket has come off the tooth. They always explain what is going on and what the next step is as well as what to expect at next appointment. Would recommend them to anyone needing braces.
Response from the owner:Thank you for your fantastic review! It’s great to hear you appreciate the prompt attention and clear communication from our team. Your recommendation means a lot to us.
Jessica D.
Superior in every way! Garlock orthodontics staff & Dr. Garlock deliver top notch service to each patient, You feel amazing each and every time you come through their door and leave it’s almost as if getting the treatment is just a bonus because the people are absolutely amazing! Dr. Garlock is exemplary and makes the whole process feel seamless and easy, My sons had an excellent outcome from their treatment plans. You Will be thrilled with your results from GO Garlock orthodontics!
Response from the owner:Thank you for your wonderful feedback! We're thrilled to hear that you and your sons experienced exceptional care and a seamless process at Garlock Orthodontics. Your satisfaction inspires our team to continue delivering outstanding service.
A S.
I have been recommending Garlock for years. Both of my kids went through braces with him. The staff, billing and orthodontist have all been great! Follow up post braces has been amazing too. Wish they were around when I was a kid.
Response from the owner:Thank you for your wonderful feedback! It’s great to hear how much you value our team and the care your kids received. We truly appreciate your continued recommendations and support over the years!
Melissa Mai M.
Everyone is so nice and so teenager friendly! very excited to try the new light force braces
Response from the owner:Thank you for your kind words about us and our staff!
Josh S.
Our experience was incredible. The staff is kind, welcoming, and they genuinely value their customers. Dr. Garlock is simply the best orthodontist you’ll ever work with.
Response from the owner:Thank you, Josh, for your outstanding feedback! We're thrilled to hear about your incredible experience and appreciate your kind words about our staff and Dr. Garlock. Your satisfaction is our priority!
Vivek K.
We've used Dr Garlock for years now. Started with my Daughter when we were in Aurora, liked their services very much that even after we moved out of the area to Castle Rock, we decided to use them again for our son for his braces. It's quite a drive for us, but we definitely find their staff, the facility and above all Dr. Garlock very good for what they do. Definitely recommend them to anyone needing Ortho services!
Response from the owner:Thank you for your unwavering support! We're thrilled to hear that you continue to choose us for your family's orthodontic needs, even from afar. Your recommendation means a lot to us!
Caitlin C.
Garlock orthodontics is fantastic! The staff is very friendly and the office is cool. Dr. Garlock is extremely friendly and kids love him. Orthodontic appointments are enjoyable!
Response from the owner:Thank you for your wonderful review! It's great to hear that you enjoy the friendly atmosphere and have had positive experiences with Dr. Garlock. We look forward to seeing you again soon!
James L.
You're never too old. I got my Invisalign in my late 50's. Dr Garlock and the team are great to work with. Thanks for taking care of my Doc!
Response from the owner:Thank you for your wonderful feedback! It's inspiring to hear about your experience with Dr. Garlock and the team. We appreciate your trust in us and look forward to supporting your journey further!
Pamela K.
Garlock Orthodontics is great! This is our first experience with orthodontics for my older son and it has just been a smooth process so far! I would highly recommend them!
Response from the owner:Thank you, Pamela! We're thrilled to hear that your first experience with orthodontics has been smooth for your son. Your recommendation means a lot to us. Looking forward to continuing this journey together!
David S.
I highly recommend Garlock Orthodontics - the staff are friendly and competent and they make the whole experience very positive!
Response from the owner:Thank you, David, for your wonderful recommendation! We're thrilled to hear that our team's friendliness and expertise contributed to such a positive experience. We look forward to seeing you again at Garlock Orthodontics!
Mercedes W.
This was our first visit at this office and we are already so happy. Dr Mian was so great with my daughter and really listened to her concerns with how she wants her teeth to look. She made her feel so much better leaving the office and she’s excited to start her braces journey!

Dr Mian was incredibly sweet!
Response from the owner:Thank you, Mercedes! We’re thrilled to hear about your positive experience with Dr. Mian. It's wonderful that your daughter feels heard and excited about her braces journey. We look forward to supporting her every step of the way!
Sarah P.
Garlock was so professional. We felt like we received great advice on how to correct my son’s issue. I appreciate Dr Garlock’s conservative approach. The quote was reasonable vs other orthodontists. And when we came in for the dental work Kimberly was so gentle and great with my son.
Response from the owner:We greatly appreciate your review, Sarah. It’s rewarding to know that Dr. Garlock's advice and Kimberly’s gentle care made a positive difference for your son. Thank you for choosing us!
Bailey G.
I seriously can’t say enough good things about this office. From the moment you walk in, everyone is so kind, welcoming, and genuinely cares. The staff takes the time to explain everything, answers all my questions, and makes sure I’m comfortable at every visit. They’re professional, efficient, and somehow still make appointments feel easy and stress-free. I’m so happy with my experience so far and would recommend them to anyone looking for an amazing orthodontic team!
Response from the owner:Thank you for your wonderful feedback, Bailey! It's fantastic to know that our team's kindness, professionalism, and commitment to comfort have made your visits enjoyable. We appreciate your recommendation!
Elizabeth H.
Garlock has been great for our family. They are friendly, helpful and welcoming. My 9 year old is excited to come in and they have made this experience fun and exciting for him.
Response from the owner:Thank you for your wonderful feedback, Elizabeth! We're delighted to hear that your family enjoys their visits and that our team makes it a fun experience for your son. We look forward to welcoming you back!
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Why DIY Banding with Rubber Bands is Not Recommended

Using rubber bands as gap bands on braces is not recommended for several reasons. First, orthodontic bands are not designed for this purpose and can cause unnecessary pain and discomfort. Additionally, these bands can lead to dental issues and damage soft tissues and bones that hold teeth in place. It is important to seek proper orthodontic treatment from a dentist to avoid potential harm to your teeth and gums.

Consulting a professional will ensure that your treatment is effective and safe. By attempting DIY methods with rubber bands, you may end up worsening your oral health instead of improving it. Trusting a qualified orthodontist like Garlock Orthodontics can provide you with the best care for your smile.

Benefits of Professional Orthodontic Treatment

Seeking professional orthodontic treatment has numerous benefits. Orthodontists have the expertise and tools to provide personalized care that will effectively close the gaps between your teeth. They can ensure that your treatment is safe and effective, avoiding any potential harm to your dental health. Additionally, receiving orthodontic treatment from a qualified provider like Garlock Orthodontics will give you peace of mind knowing that your smile is in good hands.

Professional orthodontic treatment can also improve your overall oral health and prevent future dental issues. By choosing to see a professional, you are investing in the long-term health and appearance of your smile. Schedule a consultation with Garlock Orthodontics today to start your journey towards a straighter, healthier smile.