My orthodontist gave me elastic bands to wear on the one side in a triangle from the bottom pre molar and canine to the top canine, how come?

Force to move teeth: Elastic bands are one of many techniques used by orthodontists in order to exert forces on teeth to get them to move in the direction towards the final intended position desired. If you want more specific information, the next time you see your orthodontist ask him\her exactly what that elastic band is doing.

Elastic bands: Elastic bands are used to exert force to help move teeth. It sounds like your orthodontist is trying to pull down your upper canine. You should ask your orthodontist why different procedures are being done so it makes sense to you.

Ask Your Dr.: While i would love to properly answer your question, w/o actually seeing your current occlusion, i would only be guessing as to the reason why your were given elastics. Please, please, ask your treating orthodontist as to the reason for the rubber band. I always suggest communication between patient/doctor. While these site can be informative, it is no substitute for speaking directely to your dr.

Forces: Rubber bands are used to create forces that help move teeth. Braces work great in moving teeth on the plane of your upper/lower teeth respectively, but sometimes other forces that can only be achieved by pulling on the teeth using rubber bands attached between the upper and lower are the only/best way to get the movement/force required. So keep wearing to get the awesome smile they're working on.

To help your bite: Elastics worn in a top-to-bottom triangle usually means that your orthodontist wants to get your bite to fit better in that area. This is typically a finishing technique where your teeth come together heavier in some areas and lighter in others. The pressure created by the elastic will help the bite "sock in" and have a tighter fit.

Close the bite: Frequently as orthodontic treatment approached its final phases some of the upper and lower teeth are not in contact. These up and down elastics pull the teeth together establishing contact.

Settle the bite: This will allow all of the teeth to occlude with the opposing teeth. It will also help create the proper function (canine rise).

To help perfect bite: The triangle or vertical elastics help provide a force to move the teeth in that area into occlusion. Usually when they are needed the bite is not quite touching , or is open , in that area where the rubber bands are requester.

Straight Smile: Sometimes rubber bands are only used on one side of your mouth if your top front teeth do not line up correctly with your bottom front teeth. Follow your orthodontist's directions on how often to change them to get the best and quickest results.

To move teeth: Rubber bands (actually latex) attach to the braces and pull teeth in specific directions. Triangular elastics are usually used to settle occlusions vertically, bring the biting surfaces of teeth together in the area where the elastics are worn. Your orthodontist has identified an area where elastic force will move teeth in a specific direction, so follow his advice to the letter.

Bite finisher: Rubber bands are routinely used to fit upper and lower teeth into their best occlusion or bite. There are many ways to lace them to braces depending upon the needs of the bite and alignment of your teeth. Triangle rubber bands work in two planes of space: up and down and front to back. You will see the fit of your teeth improve as you wear them (24hrs/day). You should talk to your orthodontis.

Need to see...: These types of triangular elastics with a more vertical vector of force are typically used in the finishing or detailing phase of treatment. I often use them with very "soft" rectangular wires to "sock them in", that is to allow for best occlusal relationships. My colleagues have all answered correctly, and without seeing myself, more cannot be said. Good luck!