American Board of Orthodontics (ABO) Practice Exam 2026 - Free Orthodontics Practice Questions and Study Guide

Class II elastics are designed to encourage a more favorable relationship between the upper and lower teeth, specifically moving the lower jaw (mandible) forward in relation to the upper jaw (maxilla). This movement mimics the functional changes that occur with the use of functional appliances.

Functional appliances, such as the Herbst or Twin Block, are specifically made to help improve skeletal relationships by promoting mandibular growth and restricting maxillary growth, similar to the outcomes achieved with Class II elastics. Both methods work by altering jaw relationships and enhancing the natural growth patterns of the patient.

In contrast, fixed appliances primarily aim to correct individual tooth positioning and alignment but do not significantly influence skeletal changes on their own. Removable appliances typically offer limited control over skeletal growth and may not produce the same long-lasting effects as Class II elastics. Space maintainers serve a different purpose by preserving arch space when primary teeth are lost prematurely, thus not having a direct influence on Class II relationships.

Overall, the long-term effects of Class II elastics align closely with those of functional appliances, as both are capable of influencing the growth and positioning of the jaw in a way that better aligns the dental arches.