What do they mean by Class ll and Class lll elastics?

Message

#1 Post by **acehigh** » Fri Apr 20, 2007 9:51 am

I recently have been wearing elastics to correct an overbite. On the little package it shows 4mm. Of course I would figure elastics come in different sizes depending on what the use will be for. I have no idea what mine are, other than they connect from the top third teeth (pointy teeth) to the bottom 2nd molars on each side. I often read about these different classes of elastics. I'm just not sure what is meant by that. Anyone know? I'm curious.

#2 Post by **acehigh** » Fri Apr 20, 2007 10:57 am

Thanks for the reply Kiwi, I found it interesting. I'm new at this and still learning.

#3 Post by **jennielee81** » Fri Apr 20, 2007 12:29 pm

Class II elastics are used to correct an overjet, Class III to correct an "underbite". The Class # is actually in relation to the bite rather than the elastics.

Orthos may/will use different sizes (the mm and weight marked on your bag) to achieve this correction.

There are lots of other configurations that may be used, triangles, boxes, V's inverse V's zig zags etc.

Glad to have you with us!!

JUmp in!

#4 Post by **maple** » Fri Apr 20, 2007 5:47 pm

I am wearing class II elastics. There is a picture of a Panda on the package. The ortho, affectionately, calls them Pandas.

According to the ortho assistant, they have a whole ZOO of elastics.

Anyone else wearing "animals"?

#5 Post by **flipib05** » Fri Apr 20, 2007 6:04 pm

I WAS wearing turtle elsastics but not anymore.

#6 Post by **jess214** » Fri Apr 20, 2007 10:39 pm

I have a ram on my elastic's package!

This is what the package also says:

ORMCO Z-pak elastics
3F (1/4") 6 Oz.

Nooo idea what the second part meant.

#7 Post by **CanehdianGal** » Sat Apr 21, 2007 6:33 am

Oh I have been wanting to ask this question as well..My elastics r on the top 2 center attached to the bottom 2 center. H4 elastics 4mm 3/16" Heavy 4 oz.

2 weeks I have been wearing them and still alot of pressure discomfort. Especially when I take 1 or both off to eat, then have to out them back on.

Will pressure/discomfort ease in time?

Will this always happen when I get new elastics put on? June my ortho is adding 2 more in the back.

#8 Post by **platinum** » Sat Apr 21, 2007 12:12 pm

I remember having in 80's some elastics to correct my crossbite. They were in a white plastic back, and if I rememnber right they had a picture of animal on it. I have seen samekind of looking bags in my ortho's office. Just wondering if the bags are still same...

#9 Post by **cece** » Sat Apr 21, 2007 2:51 pm

jess214 wrote:I have a ram on my elastic's package!

This is what the package also says:

ORMCO Z-pak elastics
3F (1/4") 6 Oz.

Nooo idea what the second part meant.

'

I have the same ones

I wear one on each side in triangular form but one side with the point up, the other side with the point down. My configuration is to help move my bottom midline and it is working

#10 Post by **Mel-UK** » Tue Apr 24, 2007 6:14 am

I just got mine yesterday - not a good night - kept half waking up wanting to open my mouth and it felt impossible... not too bad right now.

I have a triangle pointing down on both sides. Mainly I think because on one side the hook on the bottom back molar is too close to my gum - very painful when the Ortho tried to put the elastic on there. They are to sort out my bite which is pretty non-existent right now.

It feels like my lower jaw is being encouraged to come forward - which makes sense.

I have Rams (3F 1/4") which the Ortho said were medium strong - he showed me the other packets with the different animals on... I thought it was quite funny cos they are obviously aimed at kids.

Mel

#11 Post by **LynnHowell** » Wed Apr 25, 2007 9:49 am

maple wrote:I am wearing class II elastics. There is a picture of a Panda on the package. The ortho, affectionately, calls them Pandas.

According to the ortho assistant, they have a whole ZOO of elastics.

Anyone else wearing "animals"?

I was wearing Rams and Impalas (in a triangle pattern to pull my lower jaw forward).

#12 Post by **LadyTr0uble** » Wed Apr 25, 2007 5:24 pm

Now I am thoroughly confused! (finally brave enough to ask sily questions)

I've got all this information on the packages (I call them pink and yellow)

Pink for my right (top first bicuspid to bottom first molar) that says:
Distance: 13/16" (20 mm), then 1-3/16" (30mm) under that; Force: 1.5 oz, then 2.9 oz. underneath; AND on the bottom it says: 3/8" (9.5 mm)
* 13/16" (20 mm) is next to 1.5oz.

Yellow for my left (top canine to bottom first molar) that says:
Distance: 13/16" (20 mm), then 1-3/16" (30mm) under that; Force: 1.6 oz, then 2.6 oz. underneath; AND on the bottom it says: 5/16" (7.9 mm)
* 13/16" (20 mm) is next to 1.6 oz.

What in the world does all of that mean??
No animals here

#13 Post by **maple** » Wed Apr 25, 2007 7:13 pm

An environmentalist in me is dying to ask: Has anyone found a good use for these elastics besides their intended orthodontic purpose?

I change my elastics 2-3 times per day. When I put the fresh elastics, I wonder if the previously used elastics can be recycled or reused for anything else.