[Sequelae of unsecured elastic bands (the status after 7 years)].

The use of elastic bands without an adequate appliance mechanism to close a diastema represents a professional error on behalf of the dentist. Two case reports are presented showing both the consequences of such malpractice and the successful periodontal and orthodontic treatment over a period of seven years. The reasons for this successful treatment are discussed as well as points of special interest.