PlainRecalls
ModerateClass IITerminated

FDA Devices recall · Reported March 10, 2021

Band, Elastic, Orthodontic - Product Usage: Orthodontic elastics, also referred to as rubber bands, are small stretchy loops of rubber that help move teeth into proper alignment during orthodontic treatment. Their purpose is to create additional force for tooth movement in any of the three dimensions that is more difficult using braces alone.

The text on the patient pack is correct and the product itself remains unchanged. FlexMedics does not expect device failures; Instead, there is an opportunity for misuse of the de…

Recall #
Z-1164-2021
Affected scope
371 pks of 100 elastics (Domestic 127 pks, Foreign 244 pks)
Initiated
January 21, 2021
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G & H Wire Company recalled Band, Elastic, Orthodontic - Product Usage: Orthodontic elastics, also referred to as rub… - a moderate-severity action.

Band, Elastic, Orthodontic - Product Usage: Orthodontic elastics, also referred to as rub… was recalled by G & H Wire Company in March 10, 2021. Reason: The text on the patient pack is correct and the product itself remains unchanged. FlexMedics does not expect …. Check the official notice for the remedy. Verify recall #Z-1164-2021 with the FDA Devices before acting.

The recall

G & H Wire Company issued this moderate-severity FDA Devices recall-The text on the patient pack is correct and the product itself remains unchanged. FlexMedics does not expect ….

Moderate
severity level
Class II
classification
March 10, 2021
reported

Sourced from official FDA Devices enforcement records. Verify recall #Z-1164-2021 with the agency before acting. Full product description, hazard, remedy, and related recalls are below.

Recall Insight

This recall's affected scope, documented in the Recall Profile below, stays within a single-region or limited-distribution footprint. Distribution scope (see Distribution below) directly affects the consumer exposure window and determines whether a recall remains regional or escalates into a nationwide advisory.

Within the same product category the archive holds 6 closely related recalls, 6 from FDA Devices - clustering in a narrow category often points to a systemic quality-control or supplier issue rather than a one-off defect. Always verify the recall number against the official agency record before acting.

Medical Devices recalls over time

Where this recall sits in its category - 41,021 medical devices recalls on record

01,0002,0003,0004,000 20052008201120142017202020232026 1,947
Severity1906864652High severity (most serious)Moderate severityLow severity
Where this agency-classified recall sits among FDA Class I/II/III notices

Of 88,244 recalls with an agency hazard classification, 19,068 are high severity, 64,652 moderate, and 4,524 low. A further 16,179 CPSC/NHTSA recalls have no agency class and are excluded from this split. This recall is classified moderate severity.

Counts reflect market size and reporting activity, not inherent danger, we do not rank products by risk from raw recall volume.

Product description

Band, Elastic, Orthodontic - Product Usage: Orthodontic elastics, also referred to as rubber bands, are small stretchy loops of rubber that help move teeth into proper alignment during orthodontic treatment. Their purpose is to create additional force for tooth movement in any of the three dimensions that is more difficult using braces alone.

Reason for recall

The text on the patient pack is correct and the product itself remains unchanged. FlexMedics does not expect device failures; Instead, there is an opportunity for misuse of the device if the label is not read. If the band is too small, the treatment may be more aggressive. It is important to note that elastic band force decreases over time. If the band is too small and still applied, the band could break. Both circumstances could result in temporary patient discomfort.

Recall Profile

Structured summary of the FDA Devices recall record
Attribute Value
Agency U.S. Food and Drug Administration
Severity class Moderate (Class II)
Status Terminated
Recall number Z-1164-2021
Date reported March 10, 2021
Date initiated January 21, 2021
Recalling firm G & H Wire Company
Firm location Franklin, IN
Affected scope 371 pks of 100 elastics (Domestic 127 pks, Foreign 244 pks)
Distribution Worldwide distribution - US Nationwide distribution in the states of CA, CT, FL, IL, KY, MI, MN, MS, MT, NH, NJ, NY, NC, TN, TX, UT, VT, WA, WV, AR, IL, and the countries of Spain, Netherlands, New Zealand, Germany, France, Czech Republic,…

Profile values are sourced directly from the official FDA Devices enforcement record. Source: U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

What to do with this recall

Match your product against the recall record, then act on the agency remedy.

  • Check the recall number (Z-1164-2021) and product description against the item you own. Search the archive
  • Confirm the current status with FDA Devices before acting, recall details can be updated.
  • Follow the documented remedy (refund, replacement, repair, or disposal) rather than general advice. What to do next

This page summarizes the official FDA Devices record for research and awareness; it is not legal, medical, or safety advice. Verify with the issuing agency before acting.

Frequently Asked Questions

What product was recalled?
Band, Elastic, Orthodontic - Product Usage: Orthodontic elastics, also referred to as rubber bands, are small stretchy loops of rubber that help move teeth into proper alignment during orthodontic treatment. Their purpose is to create additional force for tooth movement in any of the three dimensions that is more difficult using braces alone.. Recalled by G & H Wire Company. Units affected: 371 pks of 100 elastics (Domestic 127 pks, Foreign 244 pks).
Why was this product recalled?
The text on the patient pack is correct and the product itself remains unchanged. FlexMedics does not expect device failures; Instead, there is an opportunity for misuse of the device if the label is not read. If the band is too small, the treatment may be more aggressive. It is important to note that elastic band force decreases over time. If the band is too small and still applied, the band could break. Both circumstances could result in temporary patient discomfort.
Which agency issued this recall?
This recall was issued by the FDA Devices on March 10, 2021. Severity: Moderate. Recall number: Z-1164-2021.
Where was the recalled product distributed?
Distribution: Worldwide distribution - US Nationwide distribution in the states of CA, CT, FL, IL, KY, MI, MN, MS, MT, NH, NJ, NY, NC, TN, TX, UT, VT, WA, WV, AR, IL, and the countries of Spain, Netherlands, New Zealand, Germany, France, Czech Republic, Greece, Poland, Thailand, Belgium, Denmark, United Kingdom, Canada..
Should I stop using a recalled medication or medical device?
Do not stop using a recalled medication or device without consulting your healthcare provider first, as abruptly discontinuing treatment could pose its own health risks. Your doctor can advise on alternatives or whether the recall applies to your specific product lot. Check the recall number and lot information against your product packaging.

Nationwide recalls with similar severity or category timing

Drug and device notices outside this firm and state, matched by severity timing and product category.

Compare this recall with GORE VIABIL Short Wire Biliary Endoprosthesis, Model No. VS… → · All Medical Devices recalls

This recall: FDA Devices, reported March 10, 2021. Severity classes follow each agency's own taxonomy; related-recall context is computed across the full archive.

Methodology · Corrections · Archive as of August 2026