- What are elastics and what are they used for?
When the bite does not fit correctly and adjustment of the orthodontic archwires will not make a good match then small rubber bands are connected between the braces to facilitate tooth movement. These rubber bands are called elastics. They are used for small overbites, underbites, crossbites and openbites.
- When should I wear my elastics?
Be sure to wear the elastics as directed by the doctor. Most elastics need to be worn all the time except during meals. Some elastics only need to be worn at night during sleeping hours. Be sure you know the proper regimen for your situation. Do not wear more than one elastic at a time to speed up the movement unless advised by the doctor. This can actually cause more problems by rotating teeth instead of moving them correctly, leading to longer treatment times.
- How often do I need to change my elastics?
It is advisable to change the elastics at least once each day because the elastics lose their strength after about 24 hours. Some patients like to change the elastics more frequently to make the movement go more quickly. There is no advantage to changing them more than after each meal.
- Will my teeth get sore from using the elastics?
It is not uncommon to get some initial soreness in the teeth where the elastics connect; it may last for the first several days. This soreness will go away with consistent wear after a few days. If elastic wear is stopped for a couple of days and then restarted, it is common for the teeth to be sore all over again.
- Why am I not making progress reducing my overbite with elastics?
Elastics absolutely work to reduce overbite when worn correctly. If you are not seeing changes in your overbite, the most common reason is you are not wearing the elastics full-time. When the elastics are removed for eating and then not replaced right after the meal, the teeth will move back to where they started and no correction will take place. Be sure to wear your elastics as directed by the doctor.
- What should I do if I am about to run out of elastics?
If you run out of elastics and stop wearing them, you will lose the current correction you have made and relapse back. Therefore, it is important that if you are running low on elastics you arrange to get more by either coming into the office and picking up the correct size or calling the office and asking that some be sent to you at home. If you call the office after hours, please leave a message on the phone including your name and the size of elastics you use. Of course, if you are in for your normal appointment and are running low be sure to pick some up!
- Why are there different sizes of elastics?
The different sizes of elastics are specific for the forces that are needed for certain types of tooth movement. Be sure to use the correct size as instructed by the doctor. We use elastic sizes that are named by animal types (i.e. Penguin, Bear, Ram, Chipmunk, Fox, etc.). The larger the animal the stronger the elastic.