CAN I HAVE ALIGNERS WITHOUT USING ELASTICS?
CAN I HAVE ALIGNERS WITHOUT USING ELASTICS?
EXPECTATIONS From DIGITAL ORTHODONTICS - Solo Edition by Dr. Bak Nguyen
That will depend on the case. Some movements will require the use of elastics. There are 2 kinds of use for elastics as adjuncts to aligners. The first one is to pull on a tooth to complete its eruption. The use of elastics here is usually the last line of defense, but if required, there is no other way.
The second use of elastics is to pull on your jaws. That is an alternative to fix minor jaw discrepancies. In other words, to save you from orthognathic surgery. Skipping the elastics will mean for you to either stay as is or to have braces and orthognathic surgery. The choice is yours.
As a general rule, you have to understand the balance of forces present in your face and mouth. If you want to change that harmony, you will need to put in the work and the required appliances. Keep in mind that aligners and elastics are already compensation and alternate tools to replace more robust solutions such as braces and orthognathic surgery.
So no, not all cases will require elastics. But when they do, please do not attach your attending's hands with a philosophy of no elastics. You have to understand your case and choose or not to treat.
Then, with the acceptance of treatment, you have to follow the mechanics and the logic in place. Once again, that is what you will be discussing with your attending in your consultation.