Rubber bands commonly referred to as elastic bands are adaptable and diverse agents utilized in different purposes. They can be used in something very simple to even professional level orthodontic or dental treatment. Rubber bands or elastic bands are generally made from a flexible and stretchable material which help them to expand and contract without imposing the risk of deformation.
If we talk about a more conventional use, rubber bands are something that are employed to secure more than one item together or in order to provide certain type of strain and stretch force.
In dental treatment or more specifically in braces treatment, rubber bands or elastic bands hold considerable importance by aiding the mobility of the teeth of the upper and lower jaw, both. They also help to resolve serious issues such as an underbite and overbite by providing the teeth with the feasible space to adjust themselves. The issue related to an underbite or overbite is known as “Malocclusion”.
According to their diverse roles, elastic bands or rubber bands are divided into three classes which are taken into account on the basis of their functions and the unique alterations they offer. Some common issue elastic bands facilitate include malocclusion (issues related to underbite and overbite) and problems with the arches of the jaw.
What Are The Types Of Elastic Bands?
Class I:
The class 1 elastic bands or rubber bands are basically employed to address the irregularities of the midline of the teeth. Their main job is to offer fastening over the course of dental or orthodontic treatment, more precisely braces. These type of elastic bands are generally distinguished on the basis of their mild impact. Class 1 of elastic bands are normally utilized in the scenarios where either the teeth of upper and lower jaw need slight repositioning.
Class 1 of elastic bands helps in the realigning of the arches of the upper and lower jaw in an accurate manner resolving proper issue of overbite and underbite (malocclusion) guaranteeing a unified and perfect smile.
One of the most common usages of class 1 of elastic bands or rubber bands is basically the correction of tooth centerline irregularities or distortion so that the teeth of the upper and lower jaw can coincide in a proper manner. Upon the application of the elastic bands or rubber bands on both the upper and lower teeth, an orthodontist monitors it thoroughly and applies slight and gentle strain on the teeth. This helps to reduce malocclusion and helps in the restoration of the teeth to their original position. Furthermore, the unwanted and undesirable repositioning and circumvolution of the upper and lower arch is also prevented by the application of class 1 of elastic bands.
Class II:
Inter arch rubber bands are also known by class II elastic bands. They are implemented in order to correct the irregularities of the facial bones, more precisely, the jaw. These type of irregularities are generally linked to malocclusion that fall under the category of Class II. This form of malocclusion is distinguished by an excessive abnormal growth of the upper jaw and decreased growth of the lower jaw. This causes the teeth of the upper to extend more outward than the teeth of the lower jaw resulting in abnormal appearance.
An orthodontist generally implements Class II elastic bands to address this particular issue. During the treatment, the strain or pressure is applied to the teeth of the upper jaw in the forward direction. This ultimately creates tension and as a result, the front protruded teeth are moved in backward direction. As a result of applying continuous force on the upper protruded teeth, the teeth of the lower jaw are moved in forward direction. This perfectly balances the upper and lower teeth and helps them to coincide with each other.
Talking about the attachment, one should know that class II elastic bands or rubber bands are hooked up into the braces of the upper and lower jaw. This helps in the accurate distribution of strain or force.
Class III:
Class III malocclusion is generally corrected by the usage of class III elastic bands or rubber bands. In this type of malocclusion, the teeth of the lower jaw protrude in the forward direction unlike the class II malocclusion in which the teeth of the upper jaw are protruded out.
This type of malocclusion is acknowledged as “Underbite”. Underbite can lead to issues interfering with functionality of the teeth and can also cause harm to overall smile of an individual. Now, here comes the application of class III elastic bands. By the implementation of class III elastic bands or rubber bands, we can exert strain or force on the teeth of the lower jaw from forward direction promoting them to move inside. As a result, the upper teeth also move forward.
Class III elastic bands or rubber bands work properly when they are wore consistently. They also help resolve problems related to realigning of the teeth. Class III elastic bands just like class II are hooked up into braces.
Why Do Orthodontists Use Rubber Bands?
- Allegiance: As adherence with the orthodontic treatment can be quiet challenging, flexibility of the elastic bands makes it easy. They are easy to use and patients are keenly engaged in their specific orthodontic treatment by using, changing and replacing the elastic bands with a sense of commitment.
- Tailored As Per Requirement: As elastic bands are made up of a soft and flexible material, they come in a variety of different sizes and modifications. This helps the orthodontist to implement them accordingly.
- Diversity: Elastic bands help to correct malocclusion, issues of the tooth arch etc. As a result of this diversity, they are one of the most common forms of effective orthodontic treatment.
- Improved Results: When elastic bands are employed in the presence of braces or aligners, they generally improve the dental issues by pacing up the tooth alignment.
In a nutshell, elastic bands serve as one of the best method of orthodontic treatment. From problems related to dental arches to cross bites, elastic bands, to this date have proven themselves to be one the best orthodontic appliance. However, if you are still facing any difficulty related to elastic bands, please feel free to contact us at ivanovortho.com.
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