Elastics...

Message

#1 Post by **newmetal** » Sat Sep 16, 2006 8:47 am

What are they? Why are they used? Im confused, i have no elastics as yet?Will i be getting them? If so how long do they stay on for etc?
Thanks

#2 Post by **lionfish** » Sat Sep 16, 2006 2:52 pm

Newmetal, elastics are removable rubber bands that attach to hooks on brackets to move teeth in different ways depending on what is trying to be achieved.

They come in different sizes/strengths (light, medium, heavy) and can be attached from top to bottom, vertically, front to back, across the front, etc.

Various members have posted pics of their elastics configurations here.

I knew from day one that I was going to get them because there would be no other way to close my bite. I've had them for 6 weeks and will continue to wear them (all the time) until the job is done, for however long that will take.

Not everyone needs them but if you're unsure, ask your ortho.

#3 Post by **newmetal** » Sun Sep 17, 2006 1:15 pm

Thanks lionfish. Well i have a tooth which sticks out, do you reckon i will have an elastic applied to the bracket? Im still a bit confused to why these things are put on and to the reason why some are put on at a later stage?

Also, do they make your lips stick out more and affect your speech?

Many Thanks!

#4 Post by **lionfish** » Sun Sep 17, 2006 1:38 pm

newmetal wrote:Thanks lionfish. Well i have a tooth which sticks out, do you reckon i will have an elastic applied to the bracket? Im still a bit confused to why these things are put on and to the reason why some are put on at a later stage?

Also, do they make your lips stick out more and affect your speech?

Many Thanks!

I can't answer the first question, newmetal, that is better directed to your ortho.

As to the second, as my elastics are at the side, they do not make my lips stick out. Nor have they affected my speech. They do rub the insides of my mouth a bit, but it's nothing I can't live with.

#5 Post by **jennielee81** » Sun Sep 17, 2006 3:55 pm

I'd imagine your brackets and archwires will take care of the tooth that sticks out. Elastics are usually more about bringing the arches into better relationship with one another, or working on open bites - and that is why they are more usually used at a later stage in treatment.

My sentements exactly!

#6 Post by **Leslie022** » Mon Sep 18, 2006 10:24 am

Like <b>Linda</b>, I too have two triangle configurations. However, unlike Linda, the elastics DO make my lips stick out slightly. I notice a difference when I'm wearing them and when I'm not.

Mon Sep 18, 2006 3:14 pm

i wear elastics 24/7. and i change them once a day. they are to shift my midline. btw leslie we got braced on the same day!