Orthodontic elastics, commonly known as rubber bands, are small, stretchy bands made from medical-grade latex or non-latex materials. They are used with braces to achieve specific tooth movements and bite adjustments. These elastics provide an additional force system beyond what traditional braces alone can offer.
The Purpose of Orthodontic Elastics
While braces straighten individual teeth along the dental arches, orthodontic elastics correct bite alignment issues. These issues, called malocclusions, include overbites, underbites, and crossbites, where upper and lower teeth do not meet correctly. Elastics apply targeted forces between the upper and lower jaws to guide them into proper occlusion.
This force adjusts the position of dental arches, ensuring a proper fit between upper and lower teeth. For example, they can move upper teeth backward while encouraging lower teeth forward to correct an overbite, or vice-versa for an underbite. Achieving proper occlusion is important for the aesthetic appearance of the smile, long-term dental health, and optimal chewing function. Without these forces, some bite discrepancies might not be fully resolved, impacting the stability and functionality of the final orthodontic result.
How Orthodontic Elastics Move Teeth
Orthodontic elastics create a continuous, gentle force that guides teeth and jaws into their correct positions. They attach to small hooks or brackets on upper and lower braces, forming precise configurations tailored to the individual’s treatment plan. The specific placement of these elastics dictates the direction and magnitude of the force applied. This application of force facilitates complex movements that braces alone cannot achieve.
Their action involves reciprocal force, meaning elastics pull in one direction on one arch and the opposite direction on the other. For example, an elastic stretching from an upper molar to a lower canine pulls the upper molar forward while simultaneously pulling the lower canine backward. This coordinated movement corrects the relationship between the upper and lower jaws. Continuous pressure encourages bone remodeling around the teeth, allowing them to shift gradually.
The Importance of Consistent Wear
Consistent wear of orthodontic elastics is essential for the success and timely completion of orthodontic treatment. The forces applied by elastics are continuous, and their effectiveness relies on this constant pressure to facilitate steady tooth movement. Removing elastics for extended periods, or inconsistent wear, can impede progress. Teeth may drift back towards their original positions when the continuous force is interrupted, undoing previous movement.
Inconsistent use often leads to prolonged treatment times, meaning patients may wear their braces longer than anticipated. It can also result in less effective outcomes, potentially leaving some bite correction issues unresolved or leading to an uneven bite. For optimal results and to ensure treatment stays on schedule, orthodontists recommend wearing elastics for 20-22 hours a day, removing them only for eating and oral hygiene. Adhering to the orthodontist’s instructions regarding wear time is essential for achieving the desired bite correction.
Tips for Wearing Orthodontic Elastics
To ensure effective treatment, patients should change their elastics as instructed by their orthodontist, multiple times a day, such as after meals or at least daily. This is important because elastics lose elasticity and force over time, reducing their effectiveness. Patients should remove elastics only for eating and brushing teeth, re-inserting fresh ones immediately afterward.
Carry spare elastics, as they can break or get lost. When placing elastics, using a mirror helps ensure correct attachment to the designated hooks or brackets. If concerns arise, such as discomfort that persists beyond a few days or difficulty with placement, contact the orthodontist for guidance. Following these tips helps maintain consistent force and contributes to a successful orthodontic outcome.