Elements of Braces

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Greenberg Orthodontics & TMJ

When coming to our Pasadena orthodontic office to have braces put on, you may find yourself feeling a bit intimated and nervous about the experience. We hope to help you feel more at ease by explaining exactly what the different parts of braces are, and what they do during orthodontic treatment.

Parts of Braces

• Elastic Tie — This very small rubber band holds the archwire in place.
• Archwire — The wire guide that tracks the teeth; it may be moved from time to time during treatment to continue straightening a patient’s teeth.
• Loop in Archwire — Not in all braces; used to close a gap left from a tooth extraction.
• Bracket — Holds the archwire in place. Most brackets are cemented on, so colored rubber bands are no longer necessary.
• Headgear Tube — The hollow area near the back bands that allows the headgear to fit into the braces (used only for patients who require headgear).
• Coil Spring — Fits between a bracket and the main archwire to open up space between teeth if needed.
• Tie Wire — A thin wire wrapping around the bracket to keep the archwire in place.
• Band — A metal band that fits completely around a tooth and helps adhere brackets to the tooth.
• Hook — Attaches the elastics, also known as rubber bands, around the bracket.
• Elastic — Connects one point of the appliance to another to apply pressure and encourage the teeth to move into proper positioning.

By defining each appliance we hope you or your child will be less apprehensive about getting braces put on. At the end of your treatment, you will have a bright, straight smile to show off to all of your friends, and you can feel confident about every step and ready for great results.