Understanding the Components of Traditional Braces

Braces are orthodontic tools that are used to align teeth. They are used to correct underbites, overbites, crooked teeth and other flaws. Traditional braces are made up of six parts: bands, hooks, the archwire, rubber bands, brackets and elastic ligatures.

Bands

• The bands are the bands of metal that are cemented into place on the tooth. They provide a handle that is used to control each tooth.

Hooks

• Typically used to attach the rubber bands, the hooks are attachments that are used to apply force to the individual teeth or the archwire.

Archwire

• The archwire is the primary wire of the braces that fits within the brackets and provides the bulk of the pressure required to reposition the teeth. It also serves as a track for your teeth to move across.

Rubber Band

• Rubber bands are used for specific pressure that the archwire is unable to provide on its own. They are often referred to as "elastics."

Bracket

• The brackets are the attachments that carry the force of the archwire to your teeth. They are bonded directly onto the teeth.

Elastic Ligature

• These small rings are what attaches the brackets to the archwire. They are clear or colored and come in a variety of colors.