- Video
- How to Wear Orthodontic Elastic Bands
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If you've been asked to wear elastics during your treatment, it's important to remember to wear them exactly as instructed. During your first visit we told you how long we think you'll need to be in treatment, but remember that has a lot to do with your level of cooperation and if you don't do things you're supposed to do, it could definitely make your treatment time longer. And when it comes to elastics full-time wear means you should have your elastics in place day and night unless you're chewing food, brushing your teeth, or taking part in an activity which requires you to wear a mouth guard. Nighttime wear means you should have your elastics in place while you're sleeping every night and here's how to put those elastics on. If you've been asked to wear Class Two Elastics, here's what you need to do. Remove the plastic hook from the bag as well as the number of elastics you are instructed to wear. Place the elastic on the hook, attach the elastic to the lower first molar bracket hook and stretch the elastic to the upper cuspid, placing the elastic over the hook on the bracket. Easy, right? Be sure to place your elastics on both the right and the left sides.
Okay. So if you've been asked to wear Class Three Elastics, do this. Again, place the elastic on the hook then attach the elastic to the upper first molar bracket hook and stretch the elastic to the lower cuspid, placing the elastic over the hook on that bracket.
If you've been asked to wear Seating Elastics, do this. Place the elastic on the hook then attach the elastic to the lower bicuspid, lower cuspid, up to the upper cuspid, placing the elastic over the hook on that bracket.
If you've been asked to wear Class Two Triangles, do this. Put the elastic on the hook and then attach the elastic to the lower first molar, lower cuspid to the upper cuspid, placing the elastic over the hook on that bracket.
If you've been asked to wear Class Three Triangles, do this. Place the elastic on the hook then attach the elastic to the upper first molar, upper cuspid to lower cuspid, placing the elastic over the hook on that bracket.
If you have been asked to wear V Elastics, do this. Place the elastic on the hook, attach the elastic to the upper first molar, lower second bicuspid to the upper cuspid, placing the elastic over the hook on that bracket.
If you should have any further questions as to how your elastics should be placed or when you should be wearing them, please call our office during normal business hours and we'll be more than happy to assist you. We look forward to providing you with the best in patient care here at Wilson Orthodontics.
How to Wear Orthodontic Elastic Bands
This video shows consumers with braces how to put the elastics on. Remember to place the elastics on both the left and right sides.