Orthodontic Elastics: Why Are They So Important to Support Braces?
Everyone knows about braces, but very few take the time to get to know them. Trustworthy sidekicks, rubber bands, or orthodontic elastics (as dentists refer to.) People who use orthodontic elastics overlook the rubber bands’ exact functions and importance.
Following the dental surgeon’s instructions when using rubber bands is crucial for the braces’ overall performance. Orthodontic elastics’ fundamental task is to align the teeth’s current position. These rubber bands may seem relatively insignificant at first glance but are essential for the overall orthodontic treatment.
How Do Orthodontic Elastics Provide Support For My Braces?
Their role in the overall process is to straighten the teeth to ensure they move in the ideal direction and finalize in the proper position. However, some patients may not require orthodontic elastics. Depending on the patient’s current state, the dentist may recommend wearing them briefly. However, if the patient does not follow the dentist’s specific directions, the patient may have to wear rubber bands for extended periods or utilize other methods.
There are numerous types of elastics. Some are bigger than others and provide different functions from each other. Some elastics may be longer than others to align or straighten the patient’s bite or jaw’s current position. Orthodontic rubber bands are efficient because they align the upper and lower jaw structure and teeth.
Dental Surgeon
Your dental surgeon may advise you to take extra care of your braces as these elastics are removable but must be on top of the designated tooth. Dental elastics come in different colors to add an extra touch to your smile. However, wearing braces and elastics together can take some time to feel comfortable.
Adjusting to this change can challenge some, but the patient will undoubtedly feel comfortable using orthodontic elastics. Remember that each part of wearing braces is vital to obtaining the patient’s and dental surgeon’s desired results.
What Do Orthodontic Elastic Bands Do?
Dental elastics are minuscule rubber bands that play two roles in the orthodontic process, but each rubber band can display different results. The dental surgeon will explain to the patient why they would require a particular rubber band. The following orthodontic elastics work differently:
The anterior triangle is elastic. Usually, dentists place the anterior triangle rubber bands over the braces on top of the upper and lower canines, and the first premolars create a triangle shape over the teeth. This moves the bottom teeth forward and the upper teeth backward; some would expect this procedure to work the other way around, but the results are outstanding.
Class two elastic: Class two rubber bands will do the job when a dental surgeon wants to correct a patient’s overbite. These elastics regulate the upper and lower teeth.
Class three elastic: The dental surgeon will only utilize the class three rubber bands to support the patient’s underbite. This will allow the lower teeth to move back and the upper bite to move forward.
Interarch elastic: These rubber bands are much longer than the others. They fix any misaligned teeth to correct the entire bite. Other beneficial aspects of utilizing these dental elastics are closing gaps between teeth or correctly fitting teeth together.
How Often Should You Change Your Orthodontic Elastics?
It would be best to try to replace your orthodontic elastics every day and remember to place the rubber band over the bracket your dentist told you to use to avoid mishaps. Braces or brackets have a small round hook that allows the orthodontic elastics to hold on tightly. The pressure that dental elastics apply over the patient’s jaw is also a positive sign of advancements because the jaw alignment and the teeth interconnect to function accordingly.
The following tips on proper care for orthodontic elastics are helpful when the patient may feel uncomfortable wearing them, adjustments the patient can make while using rubber bands, and changes the patient should expect after properly wearing them.
Tips
- The patient must wear their orthodontic elastics throughout the day and night or, as the dentist may advise, use them. The only exceptions are when patients must eat or brush their teeth to function correctly. Not wearing them correctly will only delay the process of orthodontic treatment.
- The patient should replace the Orthodontic elastics at least twice daily, as they wear down with usage. Many dental surgeons recommend replacing the rubber bands three to four times daily to provide advancements and results. Sometimes, the dentist may recommend wearing two rubber bands simultaneously to work faster. It is standard for the patient to experience a bit of aching around their teeth or jaw.
The patient must keep their orthodontic elastics in a dry but safe place. Most dental elastics come in small bags that can be conveniently stored in a pocket or anywhere else. - Orthodontic elastics are made of natural latex, providing extra support while wearing them. It would be best not to use other rubber bands, as traditional rubber bands you would use to tie your hair or place around your wrist are inadequate for this function.
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Remember that orthodontic elastics are removable but must be placed back into place by the patient. Remove your elastics while eating since they can represent a choking hazard. You should also remove the elastics while brushing and flossing, as they can snap and harm the patient. Try asking your dentist if you still have doubts about using elastics.
Elastics also come in numerous colors, just like your braces, so you can stylize your smile to your preference; taking advantage of these elastics will help you throughout your dental journey. Still, you will thank your dental surgeon afterward, as the results are pretty visible. We all deserve to feel comfortable when we smile and follow your orthodontist’s instructions, and you’ll have straight teeth in no time.