Zig Zag Elastics
Elastics (elastic bands) give a consistent force to move teeth. The Zig Zag elastic is probably one of the trickiest elastic configurations to wear. Usually elastics are used on both sides but occasionally on one side where unilateral movement is required.

Anterior Box Elastics

Posterior Box Elastics



Class 2 Elastics
The most common type Class 2 elastics are connected to the outside hook of the last braced lower molar tooth and usually run to a ball hook on the 2nd or 3rd tooth from the middle in the upper arch.



Class 3 Elastics
Class 3 elastics are reversed and run from the upper molar to the lower canine tooth.



Usually elastics are used on both sides but occasionally on one side where unilateral movement is required.

Rules for Wearing Elastics
• Elastics must be worn full time or as instructed and replaced every day or sooner if they break.
• When eating, elastics desirably should be left on, but if being swallowed remove whilst eating but then replace immediately.
• Elastics come in varying strengths. They can initially make the teeth sore (NO PAIN – NO GAIN!), however persistence will help to overcome this. In rare instances we can switch to a lighter elastic.

FAILURE to wear elastics will only prolong the estimated duration of treatment!