Can Your Name the Parts of Your Braces?

Your braces are made up of intricate pieces of metal attached to your teeth to get you the healthy, beautiful smile you deserve. However, can you name all the parts of your braces?

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Each piece serves a special purpose, all working together cohesively to correct your smile. Learn about the key components of your braces with our list below:

Bands
Bands are a ring of metal that fit around the molars and sometimes premolars. The bands are selected from a range of sizes in order to find the tightest-fitting band. The bands are sealed in position using dental cement that contains fluoride to prevent any decalcification during treatment.

Brackets
The brackets hold the archwire against each tooth. The archwire fits into a slot in the bracket. Brackets may be attached directly to each tooth or to a band.

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

Elastics
An elastic is the tiny rubber ring that ties the archwire into the bracket.

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

Coil Spring
The coil spring fits between brackets and over the archwire

Here's a diagram to show show you where everything is located:

The more you know about your braces the easier your experience will be, If you have any questions feel free to contact us today!