Intermaxillary elastics in orthodontics, better known as rubber bands, are auxiliary elements that help us to produce certain movements that the aligners cannot perform on their own.
The function of these rubbers is to correcting the patient's occlusion or bite, i.e. to achieve proper meshing between the upper and lower arch (mandible) when there is a discrepancy between the two.
They are small and discreet, made of latex, silicone or similar material. They are circular in shape and come in various sizes and thicknesses. They are usually neutral or transparent in colour, although there are also coloured ones for the more daring.
Different depending on the problem
Depending on the occlusal problem to be corrected, we will use rubber bands of a different size or thickness, and we will wear them for the time indicated by our orthodontist.
These rubber bands are placed on a auxiliary elements that we have previously adhered to the surface of the tooth known as "buttons" or in cut-outs, which are notches that we will see in the aligners.
These buttons, depending on where they are placed, can be of different sizes.different colours and shapes. Metal buttons are usually used on the back and aesthetic ones on the front, which are the same colour as the tooth.
The rubbers always join the upper and lower arches, placing the rubber bands from the bottom up or from the top down. The orthodontist is in charge of telling us how to put the rubber bands on and how long we have to wear them for.
Not all orthodontic cases require the use of these bands. Each case is unique and personalised, if you do not have any occlusion problems. it will not be necessary to use them.
Elastics in orthodontics are indispensable for achieve a good result in your treatment. Therefore, if you cooperate and use the rubber bands for the necessary time and as we have indicated, you will have guaranteed success in your treatment. If, on the other hand, you do not cooperate and do not wear the rubber bands as instructed and for the necessary time, the bite problem will not be corrected and your treatment will be incomplete.