Parts of Braces

Archwire

A metal wire threaded through your brackets to push your teeth into position.

Bands

Metal rings attached to your molars that serve as anchors for your wires.

Bracket

Small metal or ceramic pieces attached to each individual tooth. Holds wires in place that move the teeth.

Buccal Tube

A small metal tube that is welded to the outside of a band. The tube holds archwires and other components necessary to reposition your teeth.

Chain

The stretchy band that aligns teeth by holding archwires in specific positions.

Elastics

Also known as rubber bands, elastics are used to manipulate the bite. The bands use resistance to move the upper and lower teeth into position. In addition to correcting bite issues, elastics are often used to close gaps or move one particular tooth.

Invisalign®

Also known as clear braces, Invisalign® is a series of removable aligners that move teeth requiring minor to moderate orthodontic treatment into position.

Lingual Arch

A lingual arch prevents molars from moving and blocking off space that is required for teeth that have not yet developed.

Ligating Module

A donut-shaped piece of plastic that holds the archwires in place on your brackets.

Removable Retainer

Retainers are appliances that are worn to hold your teeth in place while your jaw and teeth settle after your braces are removed. Patients are able to take removable retainers out on their own without an orthodontist’s assistance.

Separators

Separators are small bands that are placed between your back teeth to make space for braces bands. Separators are also sometimes used without band placement to ensure that enough space is present to prevent cavities.