ELASTICS
One of the most important parts of orthodontic treatment is elastic wear. Elastics are worn throughout treatment to correctly align a patient’s bite. If elastics are not worn as instructed, it will result in longer treatment times.
FAQ:
Wearing elastics is going to help align your top and bottom teeth to correct your bite and make it comfortable.
It is very important to wear your elastics all the time! Wearing elastics is the only way we can get your braces off on time.
At first there will be some soreness, BUT the more you wear them, the less they will hurt.
HOW DO I WEAR MY ELASTICS?
Class II: A class II elastics is used to correct over jet. Class II elastics are hooked from the first hook on the upper arch to the last hook on the lower arch.
Class III: A class III elastics is used to correct an under bite. Class III elastics are hooked from the last hook on the upper arch to the first hook on the lower arch.
Box: The box elastics are used to close the bite and tighten everything together. Box elastics are hooked from the first hooks on the upper and lower arch to the back hooks on the upper and lower arch.
Midline: Midline elastics are used to align the center of the upper and lower arches. Depending on how the bite needs to be adjusted, the elastic will be attached from the first hook on the upper right down to the first hook lower left side or from first hook on the upper left side down to the first hook on the lower right side.
Triangle: Triangle elastics are worn to help close an open bite. Triangle elastics are hooked on the first hook on the upper arch down to the first two hooks on the lower arch.
Cross: A cross elastic is worn to correct a cross bite. Dr. Erickson will attach a bracket to the inside of the first molar on the upper arch. An elastic can then be worn off that bracket down to a hook on the lower arch.
