3+ popular types of Elastic bands in braces today

3+ popular types of elastic bands in braces today: Elastic bands are an important component in orthodontic treatment, playing a supporting role and improving the effectiveness of orthodontic methods. Used to create a tight connection between teeth and orthodontic devices such as brackets and archwires, elastic bands help adjust the force applied, supporting the movement of teeth to the desired position.

The following article by Bally Dental will introduce in detail about elastic bands, their function in adjusting teeth, as well as different types of elastic bands and the benefits they bring in the orthodontic treatment process. Through that, readers will have a clearer view of the role and importance of elastic bands in achieving optimal orthodontic results.

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What are elastic bands?

Elastic bands, also known as “orthodontic elastics,” are small rubber bands or plastic accessories used in orthodontic treatment to support and improve the effectiveness of orthodontic methods. Elastics can be attached to brackets or archwires to provide traction or hold teeth in the desired position.

Elastics are usually attached to brackets and archwires using special hooks or clips. There are different types of elastics, including small loops, straight elastics, and elastics, depending on the specific needs of each patient and the orthodontist’s treatment plan.

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Functions of elastics

Providing traction: One of the primary functions of orthodontic elastics is to provide the necessary traction to guide teeth into their correct positions. By exerting controlled force on the teeth, elastics help in moving them to the desired locations within the mouth. This can involve correcting the tilt or angle of individual teeth, ensuring that they align properly within the dental arch. Additionally, elastics are instrumental in adjusting the spacing between teeth, closing gaps, or creating space where needed. Their ability to apply consistent pressure over time makes them an effective tool in achieving the precise positioning required for a well-aligned smile.
Retaining teeth in the correct position: After teeth have been moved into their correct positions, elastics continue to play a vital role by helping to retain these new positions. Without proper retention, there is a risk that teeth could gradually shift back to their original, misaligned positions. Elastics are used to stabilize the teeth in their new locations, ensuring that the results of the orthodontic treatment are maintained. This retention phase is crucial, as it allows the surrounding bone and tissues to adapt to the new arrangement, reducing the likelihood of relapse and ensuring long-term stability.
Improving bite: In addition to aligning teeth, elastics are often used to improve the bite, ensuring that the upper and lower teeth fit together properly when the mouth is closed. This is particularly important for addressing issues such as overbites, underbites, or crossbites. By applying targeted force, elastics can help to reposition the jaws and teeth, promoting a more harmonious and functional bite. Proper bite alignment is essential not only for aesthetic reasons but also for the overall health of the teeth and jaw joints, as it ensures that the teeth wear evenly and that the jaws function correctly during chewing and speaking.
Assist in correcting complex problems: For complex orthodontic problems such as deep bites, overbites, or crossbites, elastics can assist in correcting and improving jaw balance.

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Some types of elastic bands

Separator Bands

Function: Separators are used to create space between teeth before braces or other orthodontic appliances are attached. This helps ensure that the braces can bond securely to the teeth without being obstructed by neighboring teeth.
Application: Often used in the preparation phase before starting orthodontic treatment or before other appliances such as interarch elastics are attached.

Interarch Elastics

Function: Interarch elastics are attached between the teeth of the upper and lower jaws to create traction to help correct bite problems such as deep bites, overbites, or crossbites.
Application: Used to adjust the relationship between the two jaws and improve bite balance. Intermaxillary elastics can help move the teeth and jaws into the correct position.

Ligature Ties

Function: Ligature ties are used to hold the archwire to the brackets. They can be made of rubber or metal and help to secure the archwire to apply the correct amount of tension to the teeth.
Application: Ligature ties are often changed periodically during treatment to ensure that the archwire is held tight and the teeth move as planned.

Each type of elastic has its own function and application, and the orthodontist will choose the most suitable elastic based on the treatment plan and needs of each patient.

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How to wear elastic bands

How to wear elastic bands is an important step in the orthodontic treatment process, helping to create traction and correct bite problems. Here are basic instructions for wearing elastic bands:

Preparation:

Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water to ensure hygiene.
Prepare elastic bands, if necessary, your doctor will provide you with elastic bands and specific instructions.

Determine the location:

Based on the doctor’s instructions, identify the points on the brackets or hooks where the elastic bands need to be attached. Typically, elastic bands will be attached to the brackets on the upper and lower jaws or between the teeth.

Apply the elastic bands:

Use a special clamp or tool (if available) to attach the elastic bands to the brackets or hooks in the correct position as indicated.
If using your hands, gently pull the elastic bands through the brackets or hooks and make sure that the elastic bands are securely attached without twisting or breaking.

Check:

Make sure the elastics are properly attached and are not loose or misaligned. The elastics should provide even traction and not cause discomfort.

Remove the elastics:

If you need to remove the elastics, use a forceps or elastic remover to remove the elastics from the brackets or hooks.
Wash your hands thoroughly before removing the elastics and be careful not to damage the brackets or wires.

Care and replacement:

Replace the elastics on a schedule prescribed by your doctor, usually every day or every few days, depending on the type of elastics and treatment plan.
Be sure to practice good oral hygiene and clean your orthodontic appliances to prevent the buildup of bacteria and plaque.

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How long should you wear your elastics?

The length of time you should wear your elastics can vary depending on the type of elastics, the treatment goals, and the specific condition of each patient. Here are some general guidelines:

Elastic Bands

Wearing time: Usually required to be worn continuously throughout the day and night, only removed for eating and cleaning teeth. The specific wearing time can range from a few weeks to a few months, depending on your doctor’s treatment plan.
Replacement schedule: Elastics need to be replaced periodically, usually every day or every few days, to ensure treatment effectiveness and to prevent the elastics from stretching or losing their effectiveness.

Separator Bands

Wearing time: Separators are usually only worn for a short period of time, from a few days to a few weeks, before braces or other orthodontic appliances are applied.
Replacement schedule: Separators do not usually need to be replaced frequently. The wearing time depends on how well your teeth respond and your doctor’s treatment plan.

Interarch Elastics

Wearing time: Like elastics, interarch elastics usually need to be worn continuously throughout the day and night. Wear time can range from a few weeks to a few months, depending on the treatment goals.
Replacement schedule: Intermaxillary elastics need to be replaced periodically, usually daily or as directed by your orthodontist.

Ligature Ties

Wear time: Ligature ties are used to hold the archwire in place and are usually changed at orthodontic appointments. The wear time of ligature ties depends on your orthodontist’s adjustment schedule, usually from 4 to 8 weeks.

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Do braces hurt?

When wearing braces, you may experience some degree of discomfort or mild pain. However, this feeling is usually temporary and may gradually decrease over time. Here are some points to note:

After attaching braces or replacing new braces, you may feel slight soreness or pressure on your teeth and jaw. This is normal and occurs because the braces create traction or adjust the position of the teeth.

When you first start wearing braces, especially the ones with strong traction, you may feel a change in the feeling of chewing and biting. This feeling usually subsides after a few days.

Sometimes, wearing braces can cause discomfort, especially when they need to be attached to brackets or hooks. However, this is usually only temporary and will improve as you get used to wearing the braces.

This article shares some basic knowledge about elastic bands in braces. Hopefully Bally Dental has provided readers with useful information, helping you gain more knowledge about braces.

If you have any questions, you can contact Bally Dental’s 24/7 hotline to receive free advice directly from the dentists of the dental clinic. Thank you for reading to the end of the article!