How do elastics actually work?

[LoobyLou]

Hey all

I have just had elastics fitted from top front to lower back teeth and, I may sound a bit daft for asking, I'm not entirely sure what they will do. My ortho told me that they'll bring my bottom teeth forward (I have a fairly deep overbite) but all I can feel is them pulling my jaw forward. Is this what he means and if so how will this make my bite any better as when my jaw comes forward my back teeth don't meet!!!

Can anyone explain (or do you have any pics) how they work?

Thanks!

Love LoobyLou xx

[Iceolated]

Can anyone explain (or do you have any pics) how they work?

From the http://www.orthodontics.org/faqbrace.htm website

Rubber bands or elastics contribute a lot to straighter teeth. They are marvels of physics. Attached to your braces, elastics exert the force that creates the right amount of pressure to move teeth in directions that the braces alone can't. It's important to wear your elastics as prescribed and change them every day so the force is constant which the teeth like. A lack of consistency in wearing rubber bands can bring treatment to a standstill and who wants to do that to themselves. Teeth never fail to move when elastics are worn consistently as directed. As for bouncing an elastic off someone across the room, it will happen (don't worry, your aim will improve).

Perhaps your ortho can explain it in some more detail.

Cheers,

Ice.

[Dark_angel]

I have elastics from the upper left 3 and right 3 going to my lower 2nd from back on each side. It sounds like a similar configuration to yours. Its to move my canines back so my overject can be reduced. Do a search for class II elastics on google or somewhere.

Elastics work by providing a slight but constant force to move the teeth.

[shaynesgirl]

Thanks for the link Iceolated! I was wondering about LoobyLou's question myself, as I have been told I will require elastics at a later stage of treatment (I have an overbite)