Life with Braces
| Types of Braces
| Braces Diagram
| Brace Painter
| Types of Appliances
Retainer Instructions
| Color Your Retainer
Elastic Tie
Small rubber band that is hooked between different points on the appliance to provide pressure to move the teeth.
Loop in Archwire
Frequently used for closing space left by an extraction. Many archwires don't have a loop.
Archwire
The main wire that acts as a track to guide the teeth along. It's changed periodically throughout treatment, as teeth move to their new positions.
Bracket
Small attachment that holds the archwire in place. Most often, a bracket is cemented directly onto the tooth's surface, eliminating the need for a band.
Headgear Tube
Round, hollow attachment on the back bands. The inner bow of the headgear fits into it.
Coil Spring
Fits between brackets and over archwire to open space between teeth.
Tie Wire
Fine wire that is twisted around the bracket to hold the archwire in place.
Band
A thin ring of metal fitted around a tooth and cemented in place. The band provides a way to attach the brackets to the tooth.
Hook
Welded or removable arm to which elastics (rubber bands) are attached.
Elastic (Rubber Band)
Small rubber band that is hooked between different points on the appliance to provide pressure to move the teeth.