Why do I have elastics when I no longer have an overbite?

Question

I've had my braces for a year and seven months and for the first 3-5 months I had a bite plate. My over bite is gone away but today the person doing my teeth gave me elastics to wear. I'm just slightly worried that my orthodontist is giving me the wrong treatment for my teeth. They didn't tell me why I need the elastics and I've been biting quite normally since the bite plate has been gone.

Jason K. Tam, DDS · Answer

Correction of overbite is only one reason to use elastics.  They can be used to secure the back teeth to get them to fit together better, move teeth from one side to another, or be used as anchors for movements of other teeth.  If you are concerned, it may be a good idea to speak to the office and find out exactly why your elastics have been prescribed.  Hope that helps!

Jenny Sun, DDS · Answer

Hi!
It's nice that you're paying attention to your treatment progress and the reason behind each procedure. Elastics, depending on the direction of force and which teeth they are hooked on, will achieve different results. Class 2 elastics (upper canines to lower molars) is often used to correct deep overbite. Since you had a bite plate, you could be wearing the elastics to maintain that correction. So depending how you're wearing it, it may be doing that or something else. But I would just ask your orthodontist during your next appointment, I'm sure he/she will be happy to explain why you're wearing it.

Why do I have elastics when I no longer have an overbite?

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Why do I have elastics when I no longer have an overbite?

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Everything you need to know about Braces

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.