ABSTRACT
The use of elastomeric ties is commonplace in current fixed appliance therapy. Coloured elastomeric ties appeal to younger patients and the variety of colours available requires the patient to make a choice. To assist in this process, we have devised the following chart:
Construct a mini-grid using a spreadsheet program with the colours you stock evenly spaced out; print the sheet. We only stock about 10 colours at any one time. Cut some (6-8) elastomeric ties and stick them to the sheet in their relevant block. Back the sheet on to cardboard and place it in a self-seal plastic bag which should be changed periodically. We give these out to the patients or leave them in the waiting room area so they can choose a colour while waiting. This encourages patient participation and saves a lot of time (Figure 8.14).
