Parts of Braces

Bands are a ring of metal, which 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 bonded in position using dental cement that contains fluoride to prevent any decalcification during treatment.

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.

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.

An elastic is the tiny rubber ring that ties 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.