Last update: 18-08-1404 Confirming doctor: Dr. Saeed Qureshi Author: Dr. Saeed Qureshi

O-ring Orthodontics (O-ring Orthodontics) is one of the subtle but very important components in It is fixed appliances that plays a key role in the controlled movement of teeth. These small, elastic rings are usually made of elastomer (a type of medical rubber) and are wrapped around the brackets to keep the orthodontic wire in place in the bracket groove.

In simpler words, the O-ring is what holds the wire in place so that the pressure applied by the wire is properly transferred to the teeth. Without an O-ring, the orthodontic wire cannot perform its correcting function properly.

Orthodontic O-ring application

Orthodontic O-ring is one of the small but very important components in orthodontic treatment, whose task is to create and control the force necessary to move teeth. These small tension rings keep the orthodontic wire fixed on the brackets so that gentle and even pressure is applied to the teeth and their movement is done in the right direction.

O-rings help close the gaps between the teeth and prevent the teeth from moving or rotating unfavorably. In fact, this simple piece plays an essential role in the order, control and effectiveness of orthodontic treatment.

According to Dr. Qureshi:

Feeling a little pressure or discomfort in the first days of use is normal and usually resolves after a few days, but in case of severe pain or inflammation, an orthodontist should be consulted.

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How to install orthodontic O-rings

Orthodontic O-ring installation is a specialized process. Follow the steps below to install.

Teeth preparation

Before installing the O-ring, the teeth must be thoroughly cleaned. First, the specialist cleans the surface of the teeth and brackets with a special solution, and then prepares the glue or stabilizer so that the O-ring is placed on the bracket correctly.

O-ring placement

After preparation, the orthodontist places the o-rings around the bracket of each tooth using a special tool called an o-ring plier. This must be done carefully so that the O-ring stands firmly and the wire is fixed in place without damaging the oral tissues.

O-ring replacement

At each orthodontic adjustment session, the specialist checks the o-rings and replaces them if needed so that the treatment can continue properly. Because O-rings lose their elasticity over time and their size or quality may change.

Oring orthodontics

History of Orthodontic Oring

Orthodontic O-rings were created in response to one of the main challenges of orthodontic treatments; It means keeping the orthodontic wire fixed on the brackets effectively, quickly and without causing discomfort to the patient.

In the past, before the invention of orthodontic O-rings, very thin metal wires were used for this purpose. The orthodontist had to wrap and tie these fine wires around each bracket with special pliers at each session to keep the main wire in place. Although this method was practical, it had two major drawbacks:

Doing it was time-consuming and tiring for both the doctor and the patient.
The sharp edges of the metal wires caused wounds and irritation of the soft tissues of the mouth (such as lips and cheeks).

These same problems made dental researchers and engineers look for an easier and safer alternative in the following decades. The result of these efforts was the birth of elastic ligatures; Small rubber rings that simply fit around the brackets and keep the orthodontic wire in place.

This apparently simple innovation created a great transformation in the world of orthodontics.

These O-rings caused:

The visit time of patients should be significantly reduced.
The feeling of discomfort and sores in the mouth of patients will decrease.
It is possible to use various and attractive colors for brackets.

Today, in almost all fixed orthodontic treatments, O-rings are used as one of the key components of the orthodontic device.

Difference and similarity between O-ring and orthodontic band

Many patients think that O-rings and orthodontic elastics are the same, while these two have completely different uses, despite the similarity in appearance and the type of elastics.

As we said, orthodontic O-rings are small tightening rings that are used to keep the orthodontic wire fixed on the brackets and are usually changed by the specialist at each visit. However, orthodontic braces are used to correct the bite relationship and coordination between the upper and lower teeth, and the patient can change them daily according to the doctor's order.

O-rings usually come in a fixed size and various colors, but orthodontic bands are available in different sizes and strengths and have less color variety.

In general, the O-ring has more of a supporting and stabilizing role, while the orthodontic brace is effective in moving the jaws and adjusting their position. The diagnosis of the type and method of using each one is solely the responsibility of the orthodontic specialist.

Orthodontic ring colors

Orthodontic ring colors is one of the most attractive parts of treatment for children and teenagers. These small rings are available in various colors. The most popular colors are:

Green
Pink
blue
Red
Purple
Yellow
White

This variety of colors makes children follow orthodontic visits more enthusiastically and feel more positive about the treatment process.

Oring orthodontic buying guide

Choosing the right O-ring for orthodontic treatment is very important. It is recommended not to purchase the O-ring yourself and leave it to the clinic. But if the color you want is not available in the clinic, pay attention to the following two points.

1. Attention to the type of O-ring

O-rings are usually made of latex or non-latex materials.

If you are allergic to latex, it is better to use latex-free models.
Appropriate elasticity and resistance to color change are also important points when buying so that O-rings do not lose their effectiveness during treatment.

2. Check brand credibility and standards

Buying o-rings from reputable brands with global approvals such as FDA or CE ensures the health and quality of the product. Products with international standards are less likely to be damaged or broken and consistently provide good performance during treatment.

FAQ

What should be done if the orthodontic O-ring comes out of place?

If the orthodontic o-ring is out of place, it is necessary to visit an orthodontic specialist as soon as possible so that the o-ring is replaced and placed in the right place. The O-rings that are installed on the brackets must be placed by the orthodontist and you should not reinstall them yourself.

Which colors of orthodontic O-ring should not be chosen?

It is better to avoid choosing too bright or too dark colors for orthodontic rings. Dark colors such as black, brown, or dark green may cause the appearance of food residue between the teeth, while white or clear colors can make teeth appear more yellow or stain quickly from drinks such as coffee, tea, and soda.

Can we choose the color of the orthodontic ring ourselves?

Yes, usually orthodontists take help from the patient's opinion and taste when installing colored O-rings on the brackets. It is also possible to install colored o-rings on orthodontic braces, but usually these o-rings are more attractive and pleasant for children.

Dr. Saeed Qureshi

Dr. Saeed Qureshi, an orthodontic specialist with more than 20 years of experience in the treatment of jaw and teeth abnormalities, is the first member of the specialized board of the country, has the specialized board of orthodontics from Canada and is a member of the American Association of Orthodontics (AAO). To book an appointment and receive advice, you can visit any of the three specialized orthodontic centers in Tehran (located in Saadat Abad, Tehran Pars and Nawab areas) or the Qom orthodontic office under their management.

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