Lexicon
Elastic bands
Elastics are used in orthodontics to adjust the bite. These are small, transparent rubber rings. They are stretched from the braces in the upper jaw to the braces in the lower jaw.
Author
Dr. Fabian von Rom
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approx. 2 Min
Elastic bands
Contents
Wearing time of the orthodontic elastics
Whether and how quickly the desired effect occurs depends on the wearing time. The orthodontist determines the optimum wearing time for the orthodontic elastics for each patient. A maximum wearing time is often recommended. This means that the elastics should be worn at all times, except when eating and brushing teeth. While elastics are only needed for a few weeks for minor bite corrections, it is not uncommon to wear elastics for several months for extensive corrections.
Attach elastic bands
As the elastics are stretched between the two jaws, they are referred to as intermaxillary elastics. The brackets of the fixed braces have small hooks. The elastics can be attached to these. Depending on the direction of pull, a distinction is made between class II elastics, class III elastics and vertical elastics.
Elastics & braces: The direction of pull is crucial
Class II elastics are stretched from the front upper canine to the back lower molar. This creates a backward force on the upper teeth. An opposing force acts on the lower teeth towards the front. Discrepancies in the sense of an enlarged overbite or Class II dentition are corrected in this way.
Class III elastics are attached from the upper molar to the lower canine. They are used to correct bite deviations in the front-back direction with dominance of the lower jaw.
Elastics with a vertical pull direction are used to move the upper and lower teeth towards each other. In this way, it is possible to close an open bite.
In addition to wearing time and direction of pull, the size of the elastic also has an effective effect. A smaller elastic ring generates a greater force with the same stretching distance.
Your expert for orthodontics
Dr. Fabian von Rom
In the specialist practice for orthodontics, Dr. med, dent. Fabian von Rom uses his extensive expertise and many years of experience to offer patients the best possible care. The practice offers the entire spectrum of modern orthodontics and specializes in innovative and advanced treatment methods. In addition to traditional procedures, the focus is on treatment with invisible braces for teenagers and adults – one of the most modern and discreet solutions in orthodontics. Dr. med. dent. Fabian von Rom attaches great importance to ensuring that medical precision goes hand in hand with a high level of patient satisfaction. By equipping the practice exclusively with individual treatment rooms, individual and professional care at the highest level is guaranteed.
Further topics
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