Many people dream of using fixed braces not only to have a more harmonious smile, but also to choose different color combinations of the Elastic ligature fastening the wire to the bracket, especially teenagers. It turns out that within orthodontics there are different types of Elastic ligature and they can perform different functions, including acting directly in tooth movement and targeting bone structures.

In these cases, the patient’s cooperation in properly using the Elastic ligature is essential for the treatment success and, for this reason, it is very important that both the patient and the dentist understand the importance of this orthodontic accessory and are partners during its use.

In today’s content, you will better understand the function of Elastic ligature during orthodontic treatment! 

What are the elastic ligatures on the braces for?

When talking about orthodontic rubber band, many people think only of elastic ligatures, the famous “colored Elastic ligature”, used to fix the orthodontic wire to the brackets and thus activate the process of tooth movement with the fixed braces.

However, the orthodontic Elastic ligature that we are discussing are elastic alloys of different thicknesses contributing to the establishment of proper dental occlusion, exerting force on the teeth and helping in the treatment evolution.

What is the function of elastic ligatures for braces?

Elastic ligature are orthodontic accessories used at some stage of almost every treatment with fixed braces, as they are essential to accelerate the expected results and improve the transverse, vertical and horizontal fit between the teeth and the arch. 

Therefore, they can contribute to: 

• project the maxilla or mandible forward (protrusion), backward (retrusion) or sideways;
• improve intercuspation (teeth fitting);
• correct malocclusions and midline deviations;
• anchor teeth and improve the position of the most misaligned; 
• stimulate maxillary development;
• accelerate the end of the treatment and, consequently, the removal of the fixed braces;
• correct crossbite and open bite teeth;

Upon so many functions and enhancement of orthodontic treatment, rare are the cases in which elastic ligature are not used at some point in the treatment, after all, they act with the daily activation of tooth movement and can generate single, groups of teeth or even bony movements. 

The type of movement that the rubber band will generate is closely related to previous orthodontic planning and the mechanics used (position, anchorage, thickness, time of use). 

Types of elastic ligature in braces and their applications

Elastic ligature can be attached to hooks in brackets and bands, orthodontic buttons, mini-implants, removable braces and extra oral braces; everything will depend on the expected result. Thus, the rubber band position and thickness vary from treatment to treatment.

• Intraoral: used in the maxilla and mandible (intermaxillary) or in just one of them (intramaxillary);
• Extraoral: used in cases of treatment with external orthodontic braces and can have a dental or skeletal effect.
• Delta or V-shaped: can be used for different purposes, also known as the triangle-shaped rubber band. It helps in the refinement of intercuspation, in the extrusion of a single tooth in infraocclusion or even in the closure of open bites between 0.5 and 2 mm. In general, the V-shaped rubber band is used to correct the slight extrusion of a tooth out of occlusion. 
• Boxed, rectangular or U-shaped: used both in the anterior and posterior regions and improved intercuspation through tooth extrusion, and can be used segmented to the antagonist arch;

When should the elastic ligature in the braces be used?

As already discussed, orthodontic rubber band is highly versatile and therefore there are several clinical situations that can benefit from its use during orthodontic treatment: 

• Large gap between teeth (diastema);
• Bite closure;
• Orthopedic movements;
• Crossbite correction;
• Stimulation of maxillary development;
• Teeth support and correction of overlapping teeth;
• Correction of malocclusion problems;
• Correction of midline deviations;
• Anteroposterior correction between the arches;
• Correct projection of the mandible;
• Improved intercuspation (fitting between the upper and lower arches).

What are the benefits of elastic ligature in the braces for treatments? 

The advantages of using orthodontic Elastic ligature can be noticed in the first days of use, provided that the patient properly follows the guidelines offered by the orthodontist. 

Among the main benefits of Elastic ligature, we can mention: 

• Acceleration of orthodontic movement;
• Gain in treatment speed;
• Optimization of the aesthetic result.

How to take care of the elastic ligature in braces?

The results that Elastic ligature can bring to orthodontic treatment are directly related to their proper use following the guidelines received by the orthodontist. 

Patient’s awareness is extremely important, as their cooperation is essential during the period of use of Elastic ligature.

Below you can find some important tips to establish a good alliance with the patient. 

Avoid removing the elastic ligature 

This is an essential guideline to be passed on to the patient, after all, the Elastic ligature may cause discomfort and the fact that they are removable can represent a temptation for the patient during the adaptation period.

It is necessary to encourage the patient to resist the discomfort so that the results are achieved, emphasizing that it will depend on full-time use, removing them only for meals and cleaning.

Remember that the more you use the Elastic ligature, the faster you will be free of them. The lack of frequency in use affects the result and can extend the period of pain, as discomfort reduces after adaptation.

But don’t over use it either

Remind the patient that your recommendations must be followed exactly as instructed and that using the Elastic ligature in excess of what is recommended by the dentist can also affect the results and it may lead to other dental problems and delay treatment.

Use for a longer period than that established by the dentist or even the use of two Elastic ligature instead of one may compromise the treatment due to the overload generated on the teeth and arches.

Change them daily

Changing Elastic ligature is essential for them to fulfill their function, as, over time of use, the force exerted by them is reduced. Therefore, the daily exchange contributes to maintaining proper strength for the expected movement.

Place them in the correct position

Never let the patient go away without making sure that he/she understands exactly where the elastic ligature should be positioned, as if he/she gets confused and uses it improperly, the treatment will be compromised and delayed. You can take photos for the patient to access when they change the Elastic ligature at home.

Keep mouth closed

The buccal opening may cause elastic ligature to exert greater force on the dental elements and it can cause damage. Instruct the patient to be careful to keep his/her mouth closed whenever he/she is not talking.

Beware of root resorption

Explain to the patient that the incorrect use of elastic ligature and the need to prolong their use can affect the dental roots. Therefore, the more he/she cooperates during the period of use of the Elastic ligature, the lower the chances of the dental roots shortening. 

Know Aditek and its wide range of conventional brackets!

Have you noticed how much information there can be about an orthodontic accessory that seems so simple? Orthodontics is a specialty in which every detail makes a difference! For this reason, Aditek is always looking to evolve and make products of excellence available to orthodontists. To access our catalog, click here.

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