Rubber Bands/Elastics

Elastics (Rubber Bands)

Purpose: To create pressure to move individual teeth or groups of teeth through bone.

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How do they work? Movement occurs when one arch is used as anchorage against the other. As the elastic wants to go back to its original size, it moves the teeth with it. Teeth have never failed to move when elastics are worn consistently.

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How long are they needed? They will be worn until the teeth are moved into the correct bite. This may take from 1-12 months. Elastic wear may be gradually reduced or temporarily stopped as prescribed by Dr. Vicek. Direction and size of elastics will be adjusted to movement needs.

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How do they feel? Elastic pressure will make your teeth uncomfortable the first few days. After that, you will find less discomfort if you continue to wear them all of the time.

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TIPS!

• Take elastics out to eat and brush.

• Change elastics 4-5 times per day. Carry a supply with you at all times.

• If you see your supply is running low, stop in or call us and we will send you more.

• If a band or bracket that elastics attach to becomes loose or a wire breaks, stop wearing the elastics and call us for repair. You should also call us if your teeth don’t seem to come together correctly or the elastics are constantly breaking.

Get finished early! 

Wear those elastics (all the time, 24 hours per day, every day) 

so your teeth will move fast. 

It’s up to you!

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