What phase of orthodontic treatment does wearing rubber bands belong to?

In general, wearing elastics is part of the intermediate phase of orthodontic treatment. The details are as follows:

Orthodontic treatment is a method used to correct dental and jaw misalignments by moving teeth and remodeling alveolar bone. Elastics are elastic devices commonly made of rubber or elastic metal, attached to braces to connect the upper and lower jaws. By continuously applying force, they help adjust the relationship between the upper and lower jaws, thereby correcting malocclusions. Typically, elastics are introduced during the middle stage of orthodontic treatment—after teeth have been moved into a certain position and adjustments to the jaw relationship are needed. In the initial phase of treatment, tooth movement primarily relies on friction between teeth and the archwire. As treatment progresses, bone remodeling begins to take effect. By the intermediate stage, teeth have shifted into approximate positions, and elastics are used to further refine the alignment between the upper and lower jaws, achieving better overall results.

In summary, wearing elastics is an intermediate-stage orthodontic technique used to adjust the relationship between the upper and lower jaws, aiming to optimize treatment outcomes. This process must be performed under the guidance of a qualified orthodontist to ensure both safety and effectiveness.