Parts of Braces

Bands are typically rings of metal that fit around the molars in certain situations (expanders, space maintainers, etc). While most offices use standard ring-shaped bands that have to be pushed down into the gum tissue to be seated over the teeth, we use an advanced technique with 3D-printed metal bands to avoid this. By 3D printing the metal bands, they only sit on top of the teeth like a hat and are held in place by dental adhesive that contains fluoride to prevent any decalcification during treatment. This technique is faster, more accurate, and MUCH more comfortable for the patient.

Each bracket serves as a 'handle' on the tooth that allows the archwire to move the teeth around. This occurs by the archwire fitting into a slot in the bracket. Brackets may be attached directly to each tooth or to a band.

The main wires, or archwires, are shaped specifically to fit around the arch and into the bracket slots. Teeth move from the pressure that is applied to the teeth via the braces. That pressure comes from the archwire, which guides the direction of the movement.

O-rings are the tiny rubber rings (colors) that hold the archwire into the bracket.

Hooks are small attachments on the brackets used to attach elastics (rubber bands).

The coil spring fits between brackets and over the archwire. They can be used to either hold the current spacing or to create/open more space.