Orthodontic rubber bands, also known as elastics, guide and adjust jaw alignment. Working with braces, they apply targeted forces to correct discrepancies between the upper and lower dental arches, leading to a more harmonious bite and improved facial balance.
The Mechanics of Elastic Movement
Elastics create a continuous, gentle force that applies pressure to specific teeth and, through them, to the underlying bone structures of the jaw. Braces serve as anchors, providing fixed points from which these elastic bands stretch across the upper and lower arches, creating an inter-arch force. This sustained tension triggers a natural biological process called bone remodeling.
Bone remodeling involves the coordinated action of specialized cells: osteoclasts and osteoblasts. When pressure is applied to one side of the tooth and its surrounding alveolar bone, osteoclasts begin to break down bone tissue. Simultaneously, on the opposite side where tension is created, osteoblasts deposit new bone. This continuous cycle allows the teeth and jaw bones to gradually move into their desired positions.
Targeting Jaw Alignment with Elastics
Orthodontic elastics are strategically employed to address various forms of malocclusion, or “bad bites,” that involve misalignment of the upper and lower jaws. A common issue is a Class II malocclusion, often characterized by an overbite, where the upper jaw and teeth protrude significantly forward relative to the lower jaw. In these cases, elastics stretch from the upper front teeth or canine area to the lower back molars, exerting a force that encourages the lower jaw to move forward and the upper teeth to move backward.
Conversely, a Class III malocclusion, known as an underbite, involves the lower jaw extending too far forward beyond the upper jaw. For this correction, elastics are placed from the lower front teeth to the upper back molars, gently guiding the upper jaw forward or restricting the lower jaw’s forward growth. The precise configuration and strength of these elastics are customized by the orthodontist to create the specific force vector needed to correct the jaw discrepancy, influencing both skeletal and dental changes.
The Importance of Consistent Wear
The effectiveness of orthodontic elastics in achieving jaw movement relies on consistent patient cooperation. The forces applied by these bands need to be continuous to induce the necessary biological changes in the bone and surrounding tissues. Intermittent wear allows the jaws and teeth to rebound towards their original positions, negating the progress already made and making the treatment less efficient.
Failure to wear elastics as prescribed can lead to several undesirable outcomes. Treatment timelines often extend considerably, potentially delaying the completion of orthodontic work by weeks or even months. Inconsistent wear can also result in incomplete tooth movement or bite correction, which might necessitate more complex interventions to achieve proper alignment. Therefore, adherence to the orthodontist’s instructions regarding elastic wear is important for successful and timely treatment.
Navigating Life with Orthodontic Elastics
Adjusting to life with orthodontic elastics involves a few practical considerations. Patients may experience some initial discomfort or soreness in their teeth and jaws as the forces begin to take effect, especially after placing new elastics. This sensation subsides within a few days as the mouth adapts to the new pressure. Over-the-counter pain relievers can help manage this initial discomfort.
Changing elastics as directed by the orthodontist, often multiple times a day, is important for maintaining consistent force. While eating, it is generally recommended to remove elastics to prevent breakage and allow for proper chewing. Speaking may feel slightly awkward at first, but most individuals quickly adjust. Maintaining thorough oral hygiene remains important, requiring careful brushing and flossing after removing the bands to prevent plaque buildup and gum irritation. The duration of elastic wear varies but can range from a few weeks to several months depending on the treatment plan.