The crucial role of intermaxillary elastics and bands in orthodontics

When it comes to choosing an orthodontic treatment, there are plenty of options. But whether you opt for braces or clear aligners, it is likely that other complementary techniques will be used to enhance the effectiveness of the treatment. One such measure is rubber bands – also known as intermaxillary elastics – which, depending on how complex the case is, may be used with braces or clear aligners to produce better smile results.

Orthodontic bands: What are the elastics on braces and aligners for?

So what exactly are elastic bands for braces and aligners? Orthodontic bands, or intermaxillary elastics, are a crucial element in treatments with braces and clear aligners. They can be used before or during orthodontic treatment, encouraging the upper and lower jaws to shift using more force in order to, ultimately, fix problems with bite and teeth misalignment. This technique is especially useful for improving interaction between the jaws and, thus, the appearance of the patient’s facial profile.

It is essential that orthodontic elastic bands for braces and aligners are used properly and changed regularly for the desired outcomes to be achieved.

Ultimately, intermaxillary elastic bands are used with orthodontics to produce faster and more effective results, providing the patient with a healthy smile and aligned jaws by the end of treatment.

Elastics on braces: What are orthodontic bands used for?

You may be wondering what the elastics on braces do. Their use varies from patient to patient, depending entirely on the individual’s case, treatment plan and the diagnosis given. So what are orthodontic bands used for?

Intermaxillary elastics are required to encourage specific movements of the teeth and jaws, often at start of treatment or at certain points throughout. These orthodontic bands are usually used to correct overbite or underbite, by repositioning the jaws to create optimal contact between the teeth and improve malocclusion.

Rubber bands on braces or aligners are also used to reduce spaces between teeth or move a specific tooth to its desired position. This allows for rows of teeth to be aligned more effectively, producing better aesthetic results overall.

Essentially, elastics on braces or aligners exert the necessary forces required to move the teeth and jaws into their correct positions. In order to see the desired results, however, it is crucial to regularly wear the rubber bands with the braces or aligners and change them only when instructed by the orthodontist.

Use of the elastics may take time to adjust to, as they are likely to feel different to wearing braces or aligners on their own. Most patients do adapt to them eventually, though, recognising that they play an important role in their orthodontic treatment with braces or aligners.

Different types of orthodontic bands for braces and aligners

There are several different types of bands that exist for use with orthodontics, varying in size and strength according to what is needed for the treatment.

Depending on the movements required and which areas of the mouth are to be targeted, the elastics can differ in length. Shorter bands are often used to resolve tooth misalignment issues, for example, as they exert targeted forces, whereas a lengthier elastic allows for a greater scope of movement.

Orthodontic bands also vary in strength, depending on how much resistance against the jaw muscles is required for a particular treatment. Stronger bands exert a higher level of force and are often used for cases of more severe malocclusions, whilst less powerful elastics would be suitable for simpler treatments.

As each case is unique, it is the orthodontist’s responsibility to select the most appropriate intermaxillary elastics for that particular orthodontic treatment. Rubber bands on braces or aligners must be changed regularly, in order to ensure that the necessary forces continue to be exerted and that the desired results are produced.

How to fit or put orthodontic elastic bands on braces and aligners

Although it takes some practice, being able to correctly fit or put orthodontic bands on braces and aligners is important for optimal results at the end of treatment.

Read on for a step-by-step guide on how to fit or put orthodontic elastic bands on braces and aligners.

How to put elastic bands on braces

Follow the steps below to help with putting elastic bands on braces properly:

• Before starting, ensure you wash your hands thoroughly.

• Grasping the band with one hand, fit it to the top hook and then, once secure, pull it down to the bottom. If needed, repeat on the opposite side of the mouth.

• Check to make sure all elastics are firmly fitted to the correct hooks or holders.

• It is important to replace any bands that fall off or tear with new ones, as well as inform your orthodontist as soon as possible.

How to put elastic bands on clear aligners

For use of elastics with clear aligners, two components are required: an attachment hook applied to the aligner and a button on the opposing jaw to assist with exerting the force. Here’s how to fit elastic bands on clear aligners:

• Feel for the hook: Identify the aligner with the groove that will be used to hook the elastic band. Remove the aligner from your mouth.

• Fit the elastic: Secure the band firmly over the groove.

• Reinsert the aligner: Put on the aligner again, ensuring the band stays hooked.

• Connect the elastic band: Pull down on the band slightly, attaching it to the button on the opposing jaw to form a connection.

How long do you have to wear elastics for braces and aligners?

How long you have to wear elastics for braces and aligners differs depending on your individual case. In order to achieve the best results, they can often be required for several weeks or up to months at a time. It is important that the elastics are adjusted and checked by an orthodontist regularly, to make sure the teeth and jaws are moving as expected and to keep the treatment time as low as possible. Once fitted on the braces or aligners, how long you wear the elastics – which should be kept on until instructed otherwise – will determine the success of the treatment and the final smile results.

Transform your smile with Impress clear aligners

At Impress, we use intermaxillary elastic bands in our clear aligner treatments to resolve cases of moderate to severe bite issues. This not only improves the appearance, but also the health and overall functionality of the smile.

As a result of technological advances in science and medicine, clear aligners can help to correct a range of bite problems, whether simple or more complex. At Impress, we will help you find the most suitable orthodontic treatment for your individual needs.

If you would like to find out more about how Impress can help you transform your smile, visit your nearest Impress clinic. You can also make an appointment online, by phone at +44 20 3808 1072, or by writing to us on WhatsApp.