Elastics

Class II Elastics

As a Mississauga orthodontist, most of the patients that we treat present with overjet. Overjet occurs when the upper front teeth are significantly forward in relation to the lower front teeth - a measurement taken in the horizontal dimension. Typically, mild to moderate overjet is corrected with class II elastics. These elastics are worn from the upper canines (third teeth from the center) to the lower first molars (these molars typically emerge at 6 years of age). Correction of the overjet and the bite in the back go hand in hand. Therefore, compliance with elastics must be excellent to achieve ideal overjet and help the bite fit in a cusp valley relationship.

Dr. Virdee typically prescribes elastics during the third or fourth appointment. She will also prescribe the duration of wear and the strength of the elastics that are to be worn. Most patients wear their elastics on a full time basis, which means that they remove them to brush and eat only. Once the bite is corrected, Dr. Virdee will likely ask for night time elastic wear only or discontinue the elastics all together.

Before and After of Class II Correction

Class III Elastics

While most patients wear elastics to correct overjet, the small percentage of patients that present with underbites that are mild will use Class III elastics. An underbite occurs when the lower incisors are more prominent or proclined than the upper front teeth. In this case the elastics are worn from the upper first molar bracket to the lower canine bracket. This allows the lower teeth to shift backwards and the upper teeth to shift forward in an effort to correct the overjet so that the upper front teeth are now forward and overtop of the lower incisors. Class III elastics can also be worn with aligners.

Elastics to Settle the Bite

Various elastics can also be used to settle the bite or bring teeth together so that they are touching. Some elastics can also help to move midlines so that the center of the upper and lower teeth will match or coincide. A list of elastic patterns is shown below and will be prescribed by Dr. Virdee when appropriate.

Elastics with Clear Aligners

Elastics can be used with clear aligners like Invisalign and 3M clarity aligners. The aligners typically have cut outs at the upper canine (third tooth from center) that resemble a hook that allows one to sling the elastics over the aligner itself. The elastic is then hooked onto the lower first molar where we typically bond a metal bracket. Again, the prescription, duration and strength of the elastics are determined by Dr. Virdee. Typically the more you wear the elastics the better the outcome.

Most patients are able to manipulate the elastics with their fingers and apply them to the hooks of the brackets. If patients are having trouble with applying their elastics, we will give them elastic placement hooks to help as tools or aids. It's easy to become a pro at wearing elastics - all you have to do is wear them!