THE EDITOR'S CORNER

It has always struck me as slightly barbaric to tie rotations using great force on a steel ligature tie around the archwire and through an eyelet. It is true that it frequently is an example of instant orthodontics and yet it is excessively unkind to patients and to teeth and periodontal tissues. Elastic thread is not only kinder, but can accomplish rotation more smoothly and more rapidly. Elastic thread will also often make the teeth tender in the process of rotation, but it certainly takes the aspect of direct assault out of the procedure. Patients will tell you that they prefer elastic thread for rotation.

Elastic thread also has multiple uses including tooth separation and a great variety of individual tooth movements and space closings. The use of elastic thread in place of horizontal rubber bands in Stage 2 of the Begg technique eliminates the need for patient cooperation in one important step. If you try it, I believe that you will find Stage 2 going faster than you ever saw even in your most cooperative patients.

In this issue Dr. Harry Barrer has an article which illustrates some of these uses of elastic thread. In future issues, JPO will have additional material on this useful adjunct. We will also keep an eye on the new elastic plastics which Dr. Barrer and Dr. Buchin, in his article, mention. The plastic ligatures seem to be very good, especially for the patient who is forever coming in with ligature ties missing or with ligature tie emergencies. The material also seems well adapted to single or multiple short space closures. With improved elastic properties and varied means of attachment, these elastic plastics could replace both rubber bands and elastic thread.