Elastics In Orthodontics

Elastics are one of the most versatile materials available to the orthodontist. It¿s an invaluable tool of the orthodontist armamentarium. An orthodontist who does not exploit these materials to the fullest is not doing justice to the patient. As a matter of fact, it is all but impossible to practice in this branch of dentistry without this material. Elastics and Elastomeric are routinely used as an active component of orthodontic therapy. Elastics have been a valuable adjunct to any orthodontic treatment for many years. Their use combined with good patient cooperation allows the clinician to correct both Antero-posterior and vertical discrepancies.Latex elastics have become an integral part of orthodontics after being first discussed by Calvin. S. case in 1893 at the Columbia dental congress but the credit goes to Henry A Baker for the use of these elastics in clinical practice to exert a class II intermaxillary forces.