Decoding the meaning of using intermaxillary elastics in braces

What are intermaxillary elastics?

Intermaxillary elastics are a very commonly used appliance in ceramic, metal, lingual braces. These are highly elastic rubber bands with different thicknesses and radii, stuck in an arch of the jaw or from the upper jaw to the lower jaw.

Why is it necessary to use intermaxillary elastics in braces?

Intermaxillary elastics play a very important role in retracting tooth groups and adjusting the bite of the two jaws, this is the reason why you need to use this type of elastic in orthodontics.

The following are the effects of intermaxillary elastics:

• Retracting dental arches 2 jaws

Many people mistakenly believe that intermaxillary elastics only have the effect of adjusting the dental arches of the two jaws by pulling from the upper jaw to the lower jaw. However, this type of elastic is also used to pull back the front teeth. This effect of elastics is promoted during the period of closing the space to reduce overbite of both jaws, pulling from the hook or loop to the screw or bracket of tooth number 7 in the straight wire technique.

• Adjusting crossbite / traction bite

Crossbite is a condition in which the lower teeth are located on the outside compared to the corresponding teeth in the upper jaw, leading to occlusal trauma. A traction bite is a case where the lower posterior teeth cannot fit into the middle groove of the upper posterior teeth and the lower posterior tooth axis falls toward the tongue. Intermaxillary elastics with buttons attached to the inside of the teeth can solve this malocclusion.

• Correction of class II occlusion

Class II malocclusion is a condition in which all of the upper teeth are located in front of the lower teeth or the lower jaw is too far back compared to the standard relationship. In these cases, patients often have an increased overbite and a more prominent outer surface. Class II intermaxillary elastics have the ability to move the upper jaw back and pull the lower jaw forward. Class II elastic traction is especially effective for growing patients, to stimulate forward growth of lower jaw retraction cases.

• Class III bite correction

Class III malocclusion when the upper jaw is behind the lower jaw or vice versa. This condition can occur due to teeth, mandibular kinematics (functional sliding forward) or bone deviation (mandibular hyperplasia or maxillary hypoplasia). Class III elastics are especially effective for functional forward sliding. After resolving the sticking point in the back teeth, orthodontists usually prescribe this type of elastic. In addition, cases of slight deviations due to bone are also treated to compensate with class III elastics.

How to pull intermaxillary elastics

To achieve maximum effectiveness, you should follow the following instructions:

• Remember the exact position of pulling elastics (look in the mirror before replacing new elastics or contact your doctor immediately for exact instructions)
• Change elastics evenly as prescribed (Change 1 elastic every 1 day or 1 elastic every 2 days)
• Do not remove or wear extra elastic arbitrarily

Hopefully the above article has helped customers better understand intermaxillary elastics and their effects. If you have any further questions, or if you are interested dental implants then Please leave a comment below this article or contact directly the Hotline number of Lac Viet Intech Dental Clinic for answers.