Elastics

This section on elastic wear was compiled because so many clinicians wanted more information
on how elastics were being worn in a passive self-ligating environment. We all know there are
many different ways to achieve clinical results. An attempt has been made to keep treatment
mechanics very simple. The following represents the elastics used on a daily basis in the clinic.
It is exciting to see what can be achieved with elastic wear if the mechanical system is not bound
up and if the forces used are biologically sensible.

Philosophy for Elastics

• Use posts on archwires to distribute force evenly over all teeth.
• Gentle force is respectful of tissue.
• Eliminating bracket hooks keeps appliance clean and promotes healthy tissue.
Remember the tie-wings are free to receive elastics.

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Examples of Interarch Elastics
Bilateral Class II Elastics
Objective: Correct Class II Anteroposterior Dental Relationships

Note Wire Cut

5/16" 6 oz Moose Elastics

Class II Elastics with Anterior Trapezoid

Objective: Correct Class II Anteroposterior Dental Relationships and Anterior Openbite

5/16" 6 oz Moose Elastics

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Examples of Interarch Elastics
Class II Elastics with Anterior Cross Elastics
Objective: Correct Class II Anteroposterior Dental Relationships with Anterior Midline Discrepancy

Note Wire Cut

5/16" 6 oz Moose Elastics

V Posterior Elastics with Anterior Cross Elastics

Objective: Correct Posterior Openbite with Anterior Midline Discrepancy

5/16" 6 oz Moose Elastics

V Posterior Elastics
Objective: Correct Posterior Openbite

5/16" 6 oz Moose Elastics

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Examples of Interarch Elastics
V Posterior Elastics with Anterior Trapezoid
Objective: Correct Anterior and Posterior Openbite

5/16" 6 oz Moose Elastics

Class III Elastics

Objective: Correct Class III Anteroposterior Discrepancies

Note Wire Cut

5/16" 6 oz Moose Elastics (major correction needed)

5/16" 6 oz Moose Elastics (minimal correction needed)

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Examples of Interarch Elastics
Class III Elastics with Anterior Trapezoid
Objective: Correct Class III Anteroposterior Discrepancy with Anterior Openbite

5/16" 6 oz Moose Elastics

Tent Elastics
Objective: Correct Openbite in a Specific Area

5/16" 6 oz Moose Elastics

Finishing Elastics
Objective: Finish a Case with a Challenging Bite to Close

Note maxillary tieback to maintain

posterior space closure.

Note sectional mandibular archwire cut and

removed distal to mandibular cuspid.

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Examples of Interarch Elastics
Finishing Elastics with Anterior Trapezoid

Box Elastics
Objective: Correct Posterior Openbite in Molar Area.

Upper and lower archwire sectioned

and removed in molar area.

Lower archwire sectioned between molars.

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