Let’s review the intermaxillary elastics in orthodontics

Abstract

Elastics play an important role in orthodontic treatment by exerting forces on the teeth and jaws to achieve proper alignment and correct malalignment. These are commonly used in combination with braces and/or with other orthodontic appliances to help move the teeth into their desired positions. The use of elastics is believed to arise from many years ago for different purposes in orthodontics. Intraoral elastics can be classified into sagittal, transverse, and vertical planes, and according to force delivery, elastics can be high pull, medium pull, and heavy pull. Like every dental material, elastic also has some delusion, side effects, and force decay properties with respect to time. Clinically, it is important to have an appropriate knowledge of the desired positive effects and the possible adverse effects that are normally associated with the use of elastic mechanics by orthodontists.