Why wear elastic bands ?
After a certain stage, braces may be accompanied by elastics stretched between the two dental arches.
These elastics are placed according to a specific pattern and exert a force that causes the teeth to move in the desired direction. Their purpose is to place the two dental arches in the right position, the so-called "meshing" of the teeth, in order to establish ideal dental function or, in more specialized terms, a good occlusion.
Your orthodontist will show you how to position the elastics according to the situation. The teeth will gradually move in the direction given by the elastics.
This is an extremely important step. Without elastics, the teeth will not move in the desired direction.
Uneven bearing would cause the teeth to move back and forth. The teeth would return to their original position during the period of non-wear and this would have the direct consequence of lengthening the duration of the treatment.
How to wear them ?
- Put the elastic bands on as described in the instructions
- Change the elastics according to our instructions (usually once or twice a day) because they quickly lose their effectiveness
- Remove them for meals and brushing your teeth, but put them back on immediately
- If an elastic band breaks, change it immediately
- Keep an eye on the stock of elastics so that you don't run out
- Do not substitute one type of rubber band for another, this could change the force system and not produce the desired effects
Some discomfort may occur in the first few days but will quickly disappear with continued wear.
Why wear elastic bands ?
After a certain stage, braces may be accompanied by elastics stretched between the two dental arches.
These elastics are placed according to a specific pattern and exert a force that causes the teeth to move in the desired direction. Their purpose is to place the two dental arches in the right position, the so-called "meshing" of the teeth, in order to establish ideal dental function or, in more specialized terms, a good occlusion.
Your orthodontist will show you how to position the elastics according to the situation. The teeth will gradually move in the direction given by the elastics.
This is an extremely important step. Without elastics, the teeth will not move in the desired direction.
Uneven bearing would cause the teeth to move back and forth. The teeth would return to their original position during the period of non-wear and this would have the direct consequence of lengthening the duration of the treatment.
How to wear them ?
- Put the elastic bands on as described in the instructions
- Change the elastics according to our instructions (usually once or twice a day) because they quickly lose their effectiveness
- Remove them for meals and brushing your teeth, but put them back on immediately
- If an elastic band breaks, change it immediately
- Keep an eye on the stock of elastics so that you don't run out
- Do not substitute one type of rubber band for another, this could change the force system and not produce the desired effects
Some discomfort may occur in the first few days but will quickly disappear with continued wear.
