elastics? Move teeth or jaw?

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bjohnson207
Posts: 40
Joined: Fri Apr 18, 2014 12:11 pm

elastics? Move teeth or jaw?

#1 Post by bjohnson207 »

I have had elastics for a few weeks now. Just wondering if they are suppose to pull my teeth back or forward or do they change the position of my jaw???? Also I don't really notice a difference at all, how long till you noticed a difference in your bit with rubberbands.
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sirwired
Posts: 2104
Joined: Thu Oct 30, 2008 10:05 am

Re: elastics? Move teeth or jaw?

#2 Post by sirwired »

Either or both (or neither! sometimes they just hold things in place.) You'll have to ask your ortho what your particular configuration is supposed to be doing.

oldfart
Posts: 819
Joined: Mon Dec 17, 2012 1:46 am

Re: elastics? Move teeth or jaw?

#3 Post by oldfart »

Direction of movement is normally based on the configuration of the elastics. Sometimes its to move one tooth, sometimes its to move the whole arch.

Jaw position can be changed also. I know as I have the top arch pulled in with Class II elastics my bottom jaw is adjusting as to how it must be positioned to bite. Also the elastics are training the muscles as to the correct position of the jaw to bite.

As for difference? Everyones teeth move different. On one side i've had the same elastics for four months and havent noticed any difference at all. Until I compared photos from back then.

Hope this helps a bit.
Braces on: 2/25/2013. Braces Off: 12/23/2015
Current Retainers: Hawley Top, Essix Bottom, and Permanent Lingual Bottom

TMJJill
Posts: 827
Joined: Sat Oct 29, 2011 7:18 pm

Re: elastics? Move teeth or jaw?

#4 Post by TMJJill »

I agree with the others.

The elastics can be used for both. By the time my braces came off, I had used 20 hooks an worn several different elastic configurations. With some configurations, I noticed change fairly quickly, with others it was slow and steady, and with one I never had change despite the heavy-duty elastics. It really does depend on the individual.

If you want to know why you are wearing a particular configuration, I agree it is good to talk to your Orthodontist.

Good luck.
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Braces as Phase II treatment for TMJD.
Lower mandibular repositioning splint 26 months.
Lower braces on 10.75 months into Phase II treatment.
Duration in braces: 2 years, 2 weeks, 5 days
Removal of Braces: September 18, 2013

TMJD treatment now complete!

MIbean
Posts: 14
Joined: Fri Mar 14, 2014 5:33 pm

Re: elastics? Move teeth or jaw?

#5 Post by MIbean »

I believe they're supposed to correct the bite, but a small gap has appeared between my right incisor and canine since starting my elastics. It'll get corrected, but they said it was because of the pull from the elastics. I've been in elastics for about 10 weeks now.

chloespeaks
Posts: 19
Joined: Fri Jun 21, 2013 3:37 am

Re: elastics? Move teeth or jaw?

#6 Post by chloespeaks »

MIbean wrote:I believe they're supposed to correct the bite, but a small gap has appeared between my right incisor and canine since starting my elastics. It'll get corrected, but they said it was because of the pull from the elastics. I've been in elastics for about 10 weeks now.
A gap opened up in an awkward space between my left incisor and canine too! I believe it's pulling them all together.
I am super impatient for the gaps to close but as they are the front teeth. I've been in them for 5 weeks! Dentist says as soon as the gaps close braces are coming OFF!! Party! :-*
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MIbean
Posts: 14
Joined: Fri Mar 14, 2014 5:33 pm

Re: elastics? Move teeth or jaw?

#7 Post by MIbean »

Really hoping I'm on the final stretch as well as opposed to being in elastics for months and months. It just all depends on how everything moves. I know I have at least 2 more months in them, so congrats! :jump:
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pamboys09
Posts: 9
Joined: Mon Oct 13, 2014 8:17 pm

Re: elastics? Move teeth or jaw?

#8 Post by pamboys09 »

my friend whos an ortho told me it move both

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