American Board of Orthodontics (ABO) Practice Exam 2026 – All-in-One Resource to Master Your Orthodontics Certification!

Class II elastics are used in orthodontic treatment to assist in correcting a Class II malocclusion, where the upper teeth are positioned further forward than the lower teeth. When elastic forces are applied from the upper teeth to the lower teeth, they help to retract the upper molars and simultaneously bring the lower molars forward. This action results in a more differential movement of the posterior teeth compared to the anterior teeth.

As the posterior teeth are retracted, the inclination of the occlusal plane tends to increase, leading to what is known as a steepening of the occlusal plane. This change is beneficial in achieving a more favorable occlusal relationship and improving the overall functional and aesthetic outcome of the orthodontic treatment.

In contrast, flattening the occlusal plane would generally refer to a more horizontal orientation of the chewing surface, which is not typically the desired effect of Class II elastics. They are specifically designed to create a more pronounced angle in the occlusal plane, thus facilitating better alignment and function of the dental arches as treatment progresses.