Elastics are an important element to the long lasting teeth straightening process of orthodontic treatment, whether you opt for braces or Invisalign aligners. They look like tiny little rubber bands, and they work to move the teeth and align the jaw into position for a proper bite.
In the past, elastics were used for braces and now we use them for Invisalign as well. There are little hooks on the Invisalign aligners that the elastics attach onto. This helps to move your teeth into position for an even and effective bite.
Correcting Your Bite With Elastics
When your top teeth stick out over your bottom teeth, this is called a Class II Occlusion, better known as an overbite.
When your bottom teeth stick out over your top teeth, it is called a Class III Occlusion, or an under-bite.
When your bite fits together properly and evenly, it is called a Class I Occlusion. The prime motivator in wearing your elastics with braces or Invisalign aligners is to achieve a Class I Occlusion; your teeth come together to form a perfectly aligned bite for effective chewing, and optimal dental health.
Orthodontic Elastics for Children and Teenagers
Elastic for bite correction and orthodontic care in general, work particularly well in teenagers and younger patients, because they’re still growing and you can easily and effectively leverage their growth patterns in order to correct their bites. In some cases, early elastic wear can help a teenager or pre-teen avoid painful jaw surgery.
That’s not to say adults can’t benefit from Invisalign aligners or braces, we serve adult patients all the time!
If you’re considering orthodontic care for your child or teenager, you can feel confident and secure in knowing they are receiving treatment that is highly likely to be effective, successful, and a wonderful investment for the health of your child for years to come.
Your cooperation in wearing the elastics is a vital component in the orthodontics process of correcting your bite, which is a crucial element to the overall process of straightening your teeth. It can be the longest and most difficult aspect of the whole process, which is why it is so important to be responsible and committed to wearing your elastics.
It’s important to wear your elastics for the full amount of time per day that your doctor prescribes. Proper elastic wear can hasten your treatment.
It’s also important to follow the instructions of your orthodontist carefully, and change your elastics as frequently as they recommend. It might take a little practice, and you may even need to use a mirror at first. You’ll get used to doing it quickly though, and before you know it you’ll be able to change your elastics without even thinking about it.
If you’re considering orthodontic treatment for yourself or your teenager, please give us a call today! We serve patients from all over the Peninsula and South Bay, including Palo Alto, Atherton, Los Altos and Redwood City. Schedule a complimentary consultation and visit us at one of our convenient locations in Los Altos or San Jose.
