Elastics are a very important part of braces treatment.  They bring the teeth forward, backward and/or together (depending on the case) in order to close the bite.  Elastics are started one week after the braces are placed, and are worn until the day the braces are removed.  They are to be worn 24 hours a day, seven days a week with the exception of brushing and eating.  The pattern in which they are worn changes throughout treatment, and usually increases in number.  They are hooked onto the braces; if the bracket onto which the elastic is hooked comes loose, do NOT stop wearing your elastics.  Simply move your elastics forward or back one tooth on BOTH sides until you have your bracket repaired.  If you run out of elastics, stop by our office or call us and we will mail them to you.  If you do not wear the elastics as prescribed, your treatment will be delayed.  Quite simply, you WILL wear your braces longer!

This is one example of a Class II Elastic pattern.  It is worn from the fourth tooth back on the top, (from the center)- to the sixth tooth back on the bottom.  Some patients will wear this pattern from tooth number 3 on top - to tooth number 6 on the bottom.

Below is an example of a Class III Elastic pattern.  It is worn from tooth number 6 on the top (back from center) - to tooth number 4 on the bottom.  Some patients may wear this pattern from tooth number 6 on top - to tooth number 3 on bottom.

Below is an example of a Triangle Elastic pattern.  There are several variations of triangles that can be worn, however, this is the pattern that most patients wear near the end of treatment.

If you are unsure how to wear your elastics, refer to the diagram you received at your appointment, or call our office for additional instruction.