You may have noticed that some people’s braces have longer rubber bands attached to them and wondered why they’re used. Today, Ollins Orthodontics will answer this relatively common question: What purpose do elastics have for braces?
How do Elastics Work?
Let’s start by explaining what these small rubber bands actually do for your teeth and your Pitts 21 braces. They play several key roles:
- Correcting Overbites, Underbites, and Crossbites: Elastics help reposition the teeth and jaws by connecting specific brackets or hooks on your braces, ultimately improving your bite alignment.
- Boosting Treatment Efficiency: By applying gentle, continuous pressure, elastics can speed up the orthodontic process, potentially reducing the time you need to wear braces.
- Supporting Tooth Movement: These bands can move teeth in directions that braces alone may struggle with, such as pulling teeth closer together or adjusting their vertical positioning.
How to Use Elastics
So, how can you make the most of your elastics as a patient? Dr. Gabriel and Dr. Bruce have some helpful tips to ensure you stay on track, as elastics won’t do their job without your participation!
- Follow Our Instructions: Our office will provide detailed guidance on how to wear your elastics correctly, including where to place them and how often to change them.
- Know the Right Configuration: Elastics can be positioned in different ways (like triangle, box, or straight line), depending on what we’re working to correct (overbite, underbite, or crossbite). Proper placement is essential for your treatment to be effective.
- Replace Elastics Regularly: Over time, elastics lose their elasticity. Make sure you replace them as instructed, typically two to four times a day, or whenever they break. Always carry extra elastics in your travel kit for quick replacements.
- Attaching the Elastics: Before applying elastics, wash your hands to avoid introducing bacteria into your mouth. Use a mirror to see what you’re doing, and gently stretch the elastic with your fingers to hook it onto the correct brackets. If you’re having trouble, you can use a tool like a small hook or tweezers to help.
- Wear Them Consistently: Consistency is vital for success in all types of orthodontic treatment! Some patients need to wear elastics 24/7, except when eating or brushing, while others may only need them at night. Follow your orthodontist’s instructions to stay on track.
- Avoid Eating or Chewing with Elastics: It’s best to remove your elastics while eating to prevent them from snapping or getting stuck in food. After eating, replace them with fresh ones to ensure they remain effective. Avoid chewing gum or sticky foods, as they can dislodge the elastics.
- Monitor for Issues: If an elastic breaks or you run out of them, contact our office right away. Don’t skip wearing them for long, as it could slow down your treatment. If you experience significant discomfort beyond the initial adjustment, be sure to let your orthodontist know.
FAQs About Elastics
Let’s address some additional questions you might have. At Ollins Orthodontics, we’re always happy to assist with any inquiries!
Q: Can I reuse a previous set of elastics?
No. Since elastics lose their strength over time, they aren’t reusable. Reusing them is also unhygienic, as your mouth contains a lot of bacteria.
Q: Can I play sports or exercise with my elastics on?
Yes, you can typically participate in activities as usual while wearing elastics. However, if you’re playing contact sports, it’s a good idea to remove them when wearing a mouthguard.
Q: What if I’m allergic to latex?
If you have a latex allergy, be sure to inform our Ollins Orthodontics team. Latex-free elastics are produced and used by plenty of patients, and your doctor will provide those for your treatment.
Q: Are elastics the same for everyone?
No, elastics vary in size, thickness, strength, and color, depending on what needs to be corrected. We customize your treatment by selecting the right elastics to address your specific needs.
Q: How will I know when to stop wearing my elastics?
We’ll be able to guide you on this timeline. We always advise patients not to try and make this call on their own, even if they believe their teeth are straight enough! It’s not quite that simple, unfortunately.
Making Room for Excellent Results
It’s natural to have questions about the various parts of your braces when you begin orthodontic treatment. That’s exactly why we’re here to help! Our team of experts is available to serve you at our famous Nutley office. If you’re wondering what makes us so famous, here are a few of the amazing testimonials we’ve received from our patients.
