In orthodontic treatment, what is the primary role of elastics?

Elastics play a crucial role in orthodontic treatment primarily by providing additional force for tooth movement. When attached to brackets or other orthodontic appliances, elastics create a specific directional force that helps to move teeth into their desired positions. This force can be used to correct various malocclusions by aligning the upper and lower teeth or addressing discrepancies in spacing and arch relationships.

Elastics can be utilized in different configurations, such as interarch elastics or triangular elastics, depending on the specific movement needed, whether it involves pulling certain teeth forward, pushing them back, or adjusting the overall bite. This added force complements the primary archwire forces and is essential for achieving optimal results throughout the treatment process.

While maintaining the position of teeth after movement and aligning teeth during the early stages are important aspects of orthodontic treatment, the primary function of elastics directly relates to facilitating tooth movement itself. Their role in protecting teeth from decay is not relevant, as this is handled through oral hygiene practices rather than the use of elastics.