You’ve been diligently wearing your elastics as part of your orthodontic treatment, following your provider’s instructions to the letter. But now, a question lingers in your mind: can these tiny bands really move your jaw permanently? It’s a fair question and one we hear often. At Okuda & Noorda Orthodontics, we understand how important it is to know what’s happening behind the scenes of your treatment. By exploring how elastics work and their impact on your jaw, you’ll better understand how they play a crucial role in achieving your dream smile.
Our providers know every detail of your treatment matters, and elastics are no exception. With over 30 years of experience in creating confident smiles, we’ve seen firsthand how these small but powerful tools can guide your jaw and teeth into perfect alignment. By tailoring your treatment plan to your specific needs, we ensure your smile transformation is both effective and lasting.
Do Elastics Move the Jaw Permanently?
Elastics are an essential part of orthodontic care for many patients, and they can be used to move jaws into healthier and more ideal positions. However, this does not mean the results of the elastics on your jaw are permanent and unchanging.
Forgetting to wear elastics during orthodontic treatment generally causes your jaw to shift more slowly. However, in some cases, forgetting your elastics may cause the jaw to move back toward its original position.
Similarly, if you’ve finished your orthodontic treatment, it’s essential to keep up with maintenance as directed by your orthodontist. Most patients will need to wear some kind of retainer following their orthodontic treatments. In fact, according to Healthline, most patients will need to wear their retainers to some degree for the rest of their lives. You should work with your orthodontist to consider what options are available and what would be a good fit for you after you finish treatment.
What Do Elastics Treat in Orthodontics?
Also called rubber bands, orthodontic elastics apply extra force to the teeth in addition to the pressure applied by braces or another primary orthodontic device. Elastics are generally attached to brackets on the upper and lower teeth, moving the teeth into a more desirable and functional position.
Elastics also come in different strengths, ranging from light to heavy. These different-strength rubber bands provide various levels of force, depending on the severity of the patient’s misalignment and their specific needs during care.
Rubber bands are generally used to treat a person’s bite. They can reduce the severity of underbite, overbite, openbite, and crossbite, all of which refer to the way a patient’s teeth meet in the oral cavity. Using rubber bands in the correct placement, strength, and timelines can ensure your teeth meet properly, regardless of how they’re misaligned, before you begin treatment.
What Happens if You Don’t Wear Your Elastics as Directed?
If you don’t wear your elastics as directed by your orthodontist, there could be significant delays in treatment progress. There’s also a greater risk for potential relapse in jaw or teeth alignment, meaning you may be set back in your treatment.
To ensure you complete your treatment on time and your jaw and teeth alignment stays put for the long term, follow your orthodontist’s directions as closely as possible. If you need to, ask your orthodontist for recommendations to make wearing your orthodontic elastics easier.
While some patients may be forgetful, others may have a hard time getting their rubber bands into the correct positions. Your provider may recommend setting a reminder on your phone, putting on your rubber bands in the mirror, stretching the bands slightly before putting them on or getting a specific hook tool to make application easier. If you need any additional recommendations for wearing your elastics as directed, please don’t hesitate to contact us at Okuda & Noorda Orthodontics.
Want to Make Your Beautiful Smile Last? Contact Okuda & Noorda Orthodontics to Learn More!
At Okuda & Noorda Orthodontics, we understand the commitment required to follow through with your orthodontic treatment. We’re here to support you every step of the way. With over 30 years of experience, our providers are skilled at creating personalized treatment plans that incorporate tools like elastics to help you achieve a perfectly aligned smile.
We prioritize clear communication and skilled guidance to ensure you feel confident throughout your journey. Whether you need help with elastics or post-treatment retainers, we’re committed to providing solutions that fit your needs. Call us today at (702) 737-5500 or reach out through our contact form.
