Braces are a widely used orthodontic treatment designed to align teeth and create a harmonious smile. While the brackets and wires of braces primarily work to straighten individual teeth within each dental arch, another component, orthodontic elastics, plays a distinct role. These small, stretchy bands are essential for addressing specific bite corrections and guiding the upper and lower jaws into their proper alignment. Elastics are integrated into the overall orthodontic journey to achieve comprehensive results.
The Role of Orthodontic Elastics
Orthodontic elastics serve a fundamental purpose in orthodontic treatment by correcting the bite. While braces alone are effective at moving individual teeth and aligning them within an arch, elastics are designed to create forces between the upper and lower dental arches. This inter-arch force is necessary for movements that braces might not achieve independently. They help adjust the relationship between the upper and lower teeth, ensuring they fit together correctly when biting and chewing.
These bands apply continuous pressure to facilitate the precise movement of larger groups of teeth or entire dental arches. They are particularly useful for addressing various types of malocclusions, which are misalignments of the teeth or jaws. This includes overbites, where the upper front teeth protrude significantly over the lower teeth, and underbites, where the lower teeth sit in front of the upper teeth. Elastics also aid in correcting crossbites, where some upper teeth bite inside the lower teeth, and open bites, characterized by a gap between the upper and lower teeth when the mouth is closed.
How Orthodontic Elastics Guide Tooth Movement
Orthodontic elastics achieve specific tooth and jaw movements by applying continuous, gentle force between designated points on the upper and lower braces. The orthodontist selects the appropriate size, strength, and configuration of these elastics to direct forces precisely. This tension encourages teeth and jaws to shift into their intended positions, complementing the work of the brackets and wires.
Different configurations of elastic placement target various bite issues. For instance, Class II elastics correct overbites by attaching from an upper canine bracket to a lower molar bracket, working to move the upper teeth backward and the lower teeth forward. Conversely, Class III elastics address underbites by connecting from a lower canine or premolar to an upper molar, pulling the lower teeth backward and the upper teeth forward. Vertical elastics, often forming a triangular or rectangular pattern, are employed to close open bites by encouraging the extrusion of anterior teeth or improving the contact between upper and lower teeth. Cross-elastics are used for crossbites, connecting from the inner side of an upper tooth to the outer side of a lower tooth (or vice versa), applying force to correct the transverse relationship.
Practical Guidance for Wearing Elastics
For orthodontic elastics to be effective, consistent and correct wear is necessary. Patients are typically instructed to wear their elastics for most of the day, usually around 20 to 24 hours, removing them only for eating, brushing, and flossing.
Elastics should be changed frequently, generally two to three times per day, as they lose their elasticity and force over time, often within 8 to 12 hours of wear. Patients should always wash their hands before placing or removing elastics and follow their orthodontist’s specific instructions regarding attachment points to ensure proper force application. If an elastic breaks or a supply runs out, it is important to contact the orthodontic office promptly to obtain replacements and maintain treatment continuity.
Ensuring Treatment Success
Patient adherence to wearing orthodontic elastics as prescribed is crucial for treatment success. The consistent force applied by these bands is specifically calculated to achieve the desired bite correction. Inconsistent wear can disrupt this force system, potentially slowing down tooth movement or even causing teeth to move in unintended directions.
Failure to wear elastics according to the orthodontist’s instructions can prolong the overall treatment duration, sometimes significantly. It can also compromise the final outcome, potentially leading to an incomplete bite correction or a less stable result. Following these instructions carefully is essential for achieving a healthy, stable bite and a well-aligned smile.