Whether orthodontic elastics are necessary with braces is a common question for patients beginning treatment. These small, medical-grade bands are worn on brackets to apply force in a specific direction. Elastics are not required for every patient, but they become an integral part of treatment when the goal is to correct the alignment of the upper and lower jaws, rather than just the position of individual teeth. When prescribed, these bands are necessary to achieve a stable, functional, and healthy bite.
Why Orthodontic Elastics Are Necessary for Bite Correction
The function of braces and elastics differs significantly, which explains why both are often required for comprehensive correction. Braces, consisting of brackets and wires, primarily align individual teeth within their respective arches, addressing issues like crowding or spacing.
Orthodontic elastics provide “inter-arch” force, applying pressure between the upper and lower jaws. This force is necessary to correct a malocclusion, or “bad bite,” where the jaws do not meet correctly. They are the primary tool used to fix discrepancies in how the upper and lower teeth fit together.
This includes conditions such as an overbite or an underbite. Elastics also correct crossbites. By connecting brackets on different arches, elastics guide the entire jaw structure into a harmonious position that braces alone cannot accomplish. The use of elastics ensures that treatment results are stable and that the teeth meet comfortably for chewing and speaking.
Understanding Different Elastic Wear Patterns
Orthodontists prescribe elastics in specific configurations to target the particular type of bite misalignment present. The placement determines the direction of the force and the type of movement achieved. These patterns use hooks on the brackets to create geometric shapes that apply tension across the two dental arches.
One of the most common applications is for anteroposterior correction, which addresses front-to-back jaw discrepancies.
Types of Elastics
- Class II elastics correct an overbite, running from the upper arch to a forward anchor point in the lower arch, pulling the lower jaw forward and the upper teeth back.
- Class III elastics are used for an underbite, connecting a lower back tooth to an upper front tooth, pulling the lower jaw backward and the upper jaw forward.
- Vertical or box elastics may be used to close an open bite, where the upper and lower front teeth do not touch.
- Triangle elastics connect three teeth to help settle the bite and ensure the back teeth mesh together precisely.
The specific size and strength of the elastic are selected by the orthodontist to deliver the precise amount of force needed for the required movement.
Patient Compliance and Treatment Timeline Impact
Because elastics are removable, the success of this treatment phase depends entirely on the patient’s consistent adherence to the wear schedule. Orthodontic elastics must be worn nearly full-time, typically 22 to 24 hours per day, only being removed for eating and brushing teeth. This constant pressure is necessary because tooth movement requires continuous, gentle force to be effective.
Inconsistent wear, even for a few hours, allows the teeth and jaws to revert toward their previous, incorrect positions. When elastics are reapplied, the movement process must restart, which can lead to soreness. Poor compliance is the most common reason for significantly delayed treatment timelines, potentially prolonging the time in braces by several months or even a year.
If a patient fails to wear the elastics as directed, the intended correction of the bite may not be fully achieved. Severe non-compliance can cause the required jaw alignment to fail, potentially leading to the need for surgical correction later. Ultimately, consistent wear is the most important factor in ensuring the treatment finishes on time and achieves a successful, stable result.