How do Class 2 elastics help to shift the lower teeth?

Doctor's Answers 1

Class II elastics also known as intermaxillary elastics are rubber bands that are placed onto fixed braces or clear aligners to effect a force on both the upper and lower teeth.

The rubber bands are hooked onto either braces hooks or clear aligner hooks from the upper front teeth to the lower back teeth.

The aim of using Class II elastics is usually to either correct an overjet (increased distance between the upper and lower front teeth) or a dental midline correction. Hence forces are placed on both the upper and lower teeth but in opposite directions.

The force on the upper front teeth is to push the upper teeth backwards, while the force on the lower teeth is to push the lower front teeth forwards. It helps to reduce the overjet or the protrusiveness of the upper front teeth. However if moving the lower teeth is not part of your doctor's treatment plan, he/she will be able to manage this unwanted side effect by a variety of methods.

As the rubber bands also has a vertical force vector, this can also sometimes cause the lower molars to be pulled upwards and forwards.

Hope this helps and all the very best,

Dr Priscilla Lu

Orthodontist at the Orthodontic Clinic

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