TRUTHS ABOUT INVISALIGN ELASTICS: What they can and cannot fix l Dr. Melissa Bailey, Orthodontist

How does rubber bands (elastics) work? Do they move your teeth or jaws? Once you stop wearing rubber bands, does your bite bounce back?
👩🏻‍⚕️Dr. Bailey is a board certified orthodontist and co-founder of TrayMinder®.
TrayMinder® is an app that helps busy aligner users to remember to wear their trays so that they can achieve their best possible smile.
📱Download the free TrayMinder® app today to help you get better results from your clear aligner therapy: app.trayminder.com.
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💡Disclaimer: This video is not intended to provide diagnosis, treatment, or medical/dental advice. Content provided on this KZbin channel is for informational purposes only. Please consult with an orthodontist or dentist regarding any dental related diagnosis or treatment options. Information on this KZbin channel should not be considered as a substitute for advice from a healthcare professional. The statements made about specific products throughout this video are not to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease.

[@shailynn129]

Very wonderful information. Thank you so much! Exactly the video I was looking for!

[@TrayMinder]

That’s great to hear. Thanks for watching.

[@MajesticAiden]

Thank you so much for the video 💙

[@TrayMinder]

You’re welcome. Thanks for watching.

[@franz3091]

Thank you, as always very helpful

[@TrayMinder]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks for watching Franz.

[@LaGrossePaulik]

Crystal clear information! Thanks a lot, much appreciated. I think I'm concerned with Sunday bite, when the orthodontist asked me to bite normally, she told me I pushed my lower jaw too much upwards. I was confused and couldn't tell how to bite anymore, but now I understand it's a compensation. It's hard to 'control', or more precisely to let it go in this case... Greetings from France!

[@TrayMinder]

Glad it was helpful. Thanks for sharing your experience/story.

[@vivarantx]

I'm using the app, it's great!

[@TrayMinder]

Glad to hear it!

[@nancylee1852]

Thank you so much for your videos I have watched everyone of them. They are very helpful to me on my Invisalign journey along with your app. I am an older adult (65) but was told I was not to old for correction for my bite.

[@TrayMinder]

I'm so happy to hear that my videos have been helpful for you. Bites can be improved at any age and I commend you for investing in your smile. Good luck with your treatment.

[@franz3091]

Good luck Nancy! I am also older (66) and at the end of the first third of treatment. My orthodontist is very pleased with the progress and so am I. In Germany it is not very common for people of our age.

[@ddnsc6752]

Nancy & Franz...I'm also in my 60s & wore metal braces in my teens but my teeth & bite changed (I'm sure it had NOTHING to do with getting older! LOL) I'm on week 15 now and am very pleased with the progress! Dr. Bailey, your videos are so very helpful and informative! Thank you for sharing your expertise with us!!

[@kavya...7117]

Plz give English subtitle

[@miatrejo1]

Hi. I love these videos. Made me really commit to the process BUT I'm stuck. The attachments keep popping off and my provider doesn't know what to do. Short of going on a liquid diet I don't know what to do and I want to make sure my bite is addressed. Any suggestions?

[@EugenioFFCosta]

Hi! Love your channel and clear explanations! One question: I have unilateral class 2, with deviated mid line. Should I wear elastics on both sides or just on one side? I was not fully clarified with the explanations of my orthodontist, please help

[@TrayMinder]

That’s a good question. Because it’s very specific, it’s best to ask your doctor because only they have the specific details of your unique treatment.

[@TennisObsessed]

Is it more difficult to correct a Class 2 bite in adults? I wear elastics but have not seen much progress. I had my premolars removed as a child.

[@Saba.khan01]

Hi, I am on my clear Aligner treatment and I don’t have a good bite yet. I still see a lot of gap when biting down. My Orthodontics keep ordering new trays and not offering elastics. Can the bit be fixed without the elastics. I am very concerned now.Please respond. Thank you so much for informative videos.

[@vivianbelli]

Why is it that there are so few videos about unilateral posterior crossbite? I'm wearing one elastic on one side only. Base-up triangular shape. And the bottom molar is extruding a lot. With Invisalign, I only get "pre-programmed" appointments for IPR (my next one is the end of 1st round of aligners, in a month), and also, since the trays come all at once, this can't be corrected till the 2nd round (?). Don't know, I think there's a good theme here for a video.

[@DaniElaine]

Hi Dr. Bailey! I know you have a video on bite ramps but I was wondering if you could explain where your teeth should be resting on them. Are we meant to push our jaw forward to rest on the front of the ramps or should we rest our teeth wherever we comfortably can even if it's not all the way on the ramps?

[@TennisObsessed]

Dani, thank you for asking this, I have the exact same question about the bite ramps!

[@TrayMinder]

This is a common question. If there's enough interest from viewers, I can do an in depth video on bite ramps. To answer your question, bite ramps work best when the lower incisors rest on them. This helps to intrude the lower incisors, decreasing the deep bite. However, this is not always the case at the beginning, especially if you have excessive overjet. If you are wearing class II elastics with an excess overjet, it will get easier to rest on them as the overjet decreases. Each individual plan is different so consult with your orthodontist on the specifics of your case.

[@PinoyAznLee]

@@TrayMinder A more detailed video would be helpful thank you!

[@user-kl3lm1qb6y]

What is your personal opinion on the Carriere motion appliance? Do you ever use it on your patients? Would Invisalign elastics be able to achieve a similar thing over a longer period of time (Class II) or are they used for completely different issues/severities? Thank you for always being so incredibly helpful!

[@TrayMinder]

I’ve used it prior to or in conjunction with clear aligners on a handful of cases. I use Carriere on older teens with more severe class 2 or 3 malocclusions.

[@user-cd3qx8wz5k]

Having the elastics on makes me want to shift my jaw forward and have a “Sunday bite” so does this mean with my class 2 elastics on I should resist from shifting my jaw forward and try to maintain the overbite that I used to have? Thanks so much!

[@TrayMinder]

That’s a common occurrence, especially if you have stronger elastics. Yes, best to keep your jaws where they are naturally. If you posture forward, it makes the distance shorter for your elastics to stretch, thereby decreasing the force.

[@floortworecords]

Is it valid to have your class II elastic go from the upper canine to the second lower molar? That is the case with me. All the videos online I watch show an elastic going between the upper canine and first molar, however.

[@TrayMinder]

Good question. Yes, class 2 elastics can go to the second molars.

[@lmh0118]

Thanks for the video. It was very informative. Is it typical to wear elastics thoughout the entire invisalign process for a class II bite? I just started my journey and didn't get an explanation.

[@TrayMinder]

Every case is different when it comes to bite correction with elastics. Some patients with class I occlusion do not need elastics at all. Some will start at the beginning and then stop or some will start midways through and continue until the end. Ask your orthodontist about your plan. Reminder: My content is not intended to diagnose, treat, or provide dental advice. It is for information and educational purposes only and not meant to replace the advice or care of your treating provider.

[@vivarantx]

I started wearing bands on aligner 4 if that answers your question as well with attaches at the same time. I have a class 2 bite as well

[@Words-of-encouragement.-.]

I have a question that concerns me… Can the bands make my bite crooked if they pull at two different angles? Explanation: I just started treatment and the hooks on the left side of my upper trays were somehow cut backwards, so they won’t hold the bands. Originally, both hooks were on my canines but the orthodontist hand cut new slits on my left “first premolars” for my first few trays. He put in an order for my trays to get corrected but I won’t get those until tray 6-7. The problem is the bands pull at different angles and from asymmetrical locations. I’m not wearing them because it feels like my bite is going to be crooked. Should I be concerned?

[@TrayMinder]

Elastic patterns can be in different directions depending on the bite correction needed. Contact your orthodontist for clarification. Good luck with your treatment.

[@reyannacorf71]

Does Invisalign always need elastic bands? I’m on the autistic spectrum and they’re a sensory nightmare for me not to mention the mental and physical effort that goes into making sure they’re put on correctly. Ive had braces in the past in highschool but my teeth have badly shifted as an adult so I’m looking for options that are suitable to re-straighten my teeth and won’t trigger extreme discomfort and effort.

[@TrayMinder]

That’s a great question. No, elastics are not always needed. It just depends on whether you need to have bite correction or not and your orthodontist should be able to tell you that. There’s a video that you can watch to learn more: rubber bands 101: kzbin.info/www/bejne/p6evZ4adi8SqfZI

[@christinedell5077]

This is interesting. This whole time I thought elastics move the jaw forward. I am 49 and have 7 aligners left out of a total of 61! I’ve had to use elastics. I used to have tmj problems with an occasional flare up now, but have been fine throughout the aligners. In fact, my jaw felt better as soon as I got the elastics. Why is that?

[@TrayMinder]

Great question. The lower jaw is part of a joint. For some people, their jaw joints are compressed with tight overjet overbite. Once there is more room, the mandible can move forward slightly. It’s not that your jaw got bigger.

[@michal5179]

@@TrayMinder Could it work the other way around? I had very slight overjet and overbite and both maxilla and mandible were normal size. I had no tmj problems. I started the treatment and I noticed that slight tinntius developed in my left ear. Could it be that before the treatment the jaw was in neutral position and after the treatment the jaw was forced forward into unnatural position to meet the front teeth?

[@renatamercelina5859]

@@michal5179 how is it going now?

[@michal5179]

@@renatamercelina5859 I still have it but it’s very subtle so it doesn’t bother me

[@renatamercelina5859]

@@michal5179 glad to hear that it doesn't bother you! It could definitely mess up someone's life. I never had problems when i got braces. But now they came in with elastics and that is a whole other level. It doesnt hurt my teeth. Put it feels like pushing my face down. Making it harder for me to breath. And i have a slight tinnitus in my right ear. Its day 3 with elastics. I hope it will get better soon.

[@DrRuobab]

Hello, My doctor gave me aligners and Ive been using them since 2 months now. I have an underbite. I just wanted to know he didnt bother to tell me to put elastic on my attachments. So I just wanted to know should I use rubber bands?

[@TrayMinder]

Sometimes providers do not use elastics right away. You can inquire by calling the office for clarification.

[@forever2778]

I want my lower jaw to grow forward and I am 20 😟

[@emilyrodriguez3920]

I have a question, I’m finally coming to the end of my Invisalign treatment, but my orthodontist gave me the rubber bands last and said I would have to use it for 2-3 months. Why didn’t they just give it to me in the beginning?

[@TrayMinder]

There could be a myriad of reasons and it’s best to ask your provider since they know the specifics of your treatment. Likely it has to do with some mild bite correction needs that surfaced late in the treatment.

[@vivarantx]

probably at the end was the right time to apply rubber bands

[@kavya...7117]

I have overbite,My orthodontist suggest only one rubber bands to wear and I does not feel hard force but I wanna know that can I use 2 rubber bands together to more hard force so teeth can easily move backwords

[@TrayMinder]

Light continuous forces are always best.

[@ilaanaweerasinghe7642]

I have an urgent question. I'm 17 and my dentist said I'd need jaw surgery to get my bite perfect, but there are so many reasons why I can't get it. Would a headgear work for aligning my jaw? My side profile is terrible and the dentist said the invisalign won't do much on aligning my jaw and won't get my bite perfect.

[@TrayMinder]

That’s a great question and it’s natural that you’re concerned. Your orthodontist can make a referral to an orthognathic jaw surgeon to discuss your options and answer your questions.

[@profit6209]

Face lift dentistry

[@snehanegi18]

I started wearing rubber elastic the day before yesterday, it was fine till yesterday but after a while I started experiening a pain on the left tooth's lower nerve, is it normal or do I need to consume Pain Killers?

[@TrayMinder]

Consult your treating doctor, if unsure. Hope you feel better soon.

[@amandachua8072]

I have rough spots on my aligners after days 7-8, is that normal? It’s a little annoying because i can feel them with my tongue. I trim the loose ends of the plastic with a nail clipper. I’m not sure if jaw clenching during sleep can cause the rough spots?

[@TrayMinder]

Clenching and grinding can cause rough marks on the occlusal and incisal (biting) surfaces of teeth. Some patients even distort their trays from habitual daytime grinding and clenching.

[@Rey_R_]

Does underbite can be fixed with rubber band or braces?

[@TrayMinder]

It depends on the severity of the underbite. Speak to your orthodontist about your specific case for more information.

[@crystal881100]

Is it normal to have elastics on only one side for a class II bite correction? I have had them on both sides and then went to just one on one side.

[@TrayMinder]

Yes. One side can be corrected faster than the other side.

[@crystal881100]

@@TrayMinder thank you! I really like watching your videos for patient education, very informative!

[@luis6633]

Can invisilign can help line up the midline? My top midline isn’t lining with my bottom midline. My orthodontist said it could be a skeletal problem but she will try her best to fix it.

[@TrayMinder]

Elastics can help to some degree assuming there isn't a huge skeletal discrepancy. There's a video on the TrayMinder channel on dental midlines. kzbin.info/www/bejne/oWa9pKZ3bq6VnZI

[@luis6633]

@@TrayMinder It’s off by 2mm. If it is a skeletal issue, would surgery be able to fix it ? Thank you for answering back.

[@TrayMinder]

Because your question is quite specific, your orthodontist should answer this question.

[@email16v]

This was great info however you're too beautiful to be my orthodontist. I wouldn't follow my treatment plan on purpose. 🙂

[@TrayMinder]

Thank you :)

[@curtisallred7250]

I hated the elastic rubber bands. Those are very uncomfortable. Thank God I got off of them. My teeth are straight and I have a good smile. I would not recommend the elastic bands. Plus every time when I would yawn, it would be so uncomfortable. I don't trust those bastards.

[@plantpower3048]

Funny and sad how the sell invisilign as a non compromise pefect treatment. You telling me that those cheap crappy elastics are able to move several teeth within the bone! lmao sure! Plus , you have to wear aligners for the rest of your life!