Are you looking into orthodontic treatment to correctly align your teeth and jaw, allowing you to smile with confidence?
If so, there’s a good chance that you have heard about elastics in orthodontic treatment. These medical grade rubber bands are designed to accompany traditional orthodontic appliances like braces, attaching to the brackets to help correct tooth and bite issues. While not every patient we see at Berwick Orthodontic Specialists requires elastics during treatment, our specialist orthodontist Dr. Theresia Sudjalim may recommend them if she feels that they are required in order to give you the best possible treatment outcome.
So, why use braces elastics?
Braces elastics can make a big difference in your orthodontic treatment for a variety of reasons, let’s explore them below.
- Enhancing Treatment Effectiveness: Your orthodontist may recommend elastics to improve the overall efficacy of your treatment. While they might seem like a small addition, elastics can have a substantial impact on achieving your desired results compared to not having elastics.
- Fixing Spacing and Rotation: Elastics can be used to gently guide spaced teeth closer together. If you have teeth that are rotated or misaligned, elastics can aid in correcting their position and alignment.
- Addressing Bite Issues: For individuals with overbites, underbites, or crossbites, elastics play a crucial role. By gradually aligning the upper and lower teeth, these rubber bands can significantly reduce bite issues, leading to a more harmonious bite.
Are there different types of elastics for braces?
Two common types of braces elastics may be utilised in your orthodontic treatment plan:
- Interarch Elastics: Interarch elastics attach to the upper and lower archwires of your braces. Their purpose is to guide the movement of your teeth in a coordinated manner, promoting alignment and bite correction.
- Intra-arch Elastics: Intra-arch elastics are designed to address specific issues like closing gaps between teeth. They are fitted between brackets on either your upper or lower teeth, encouraging the desired movement.
Will I have to have elastics fitted to my braces?
The inclusion of elastics in your treatment plan depends on your specific orthodontic needs. Should you present with complex bite issues, or severe crowding, Dr Sudjalim may fit elastics to your braces during treatment to improve your treatment results.
How can I start orthodontic treatment?
If you’re considering orthodontic care, whether your treatment plan involves brace elastics, don’t hesitate to schedule your initial consultation with Dr. Theresia Sudjalim at Berwick Orthodontics Specialists today!
Remember, it’s essential to consult with our qualified orthodontists to determine if Invisalign is the right treatment option for your specific needs and to receive personalised guidance throughout the process.