Are elastics applied to the braces to correct the bite?

Question

Hello doctor,

I am trying to get my braces off, and I am supposed to be wearing two bands only on the left side, straight from top to bottom. I want to know what this is doing. What is my orthodontist trying to fix? What is off about my bite? I was trying to figure out by looking at the pictures on the internet where the middle of the front teeth is supposed to line up compared to the bottom set of teeth. In the middle of a tooth or another space between two teeth. I would ask my orthodontist, but he is really scary.

Kindly suggest.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

The elastics or bands given to you from the upper to lower arch usually help in settling the bite, bringing both sets into better occlusion. To know why in detail, I will need to see the pictures of your teeth with elastics on them.

Additionally, the upper midline is ideally supposed to align with the lower midline. However, in certain cases where the asymmetric patterns of extractions are made, the upper midline might coincide with the middle of the lower tooth instead of between the two central teeth.

There are other exceptions also, all depending upon the treatment plan. I suggest you not be scared of your orthodontist.

Please ask any questions without hesitation. I am sure you will get clear answers.

Thank you.