The big day is finally here! Your braces are being put on! Before coming to your appointment, you may find yourself feeling a bit intimated and nervous about the experience. We hope to help make you feel more at ease by explaining exactly what the different components of your braces are, and what they do.
Elements of Braces

• Bracket —This is the small metal or ceramic square that is cemented or glued onto the surface of the tooth. The bracket holds the archwire in place.
• Archwire — Thearchwire is the workforce of your braces. It is a guide that tracks the teeth. The wire will be changed from time to time during treatment to continue straightening a patient’s teeth, usually progressing from smaller, floppy wires to larger, stiffer wires.
• Elastic Tie—The elastic tie is the “color” component to the braces. The elastic tie is a very small rubber band that holds the archwire in place on the bracket.
• Band — This is a metal ring that fits completely around a tooth. These are used on the back molars in some patients, but not all. Bands are used when you need an appliance such as an expander or headgear.
• Wire Tie — This is a very small thin wire that is wrapped around the bracket to keep the archwire in place.
• Coil Spring — If needed, this fits between a bracket and the main archwire. Its purpose is to open up space between the teeth. This is only used when space is needed somewhere in the mouth.
• Hook — This a small hook attached to a band or a bracket that is used when wearing elastics, also known as rubber bands.
• Elastics — Elastics, also known as rubber bands, are used to connect one point of the braces to another. The purpose is to apply pressure, and encourage the teeth to move into the proper position.

By defining each part of the 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 beautiful smile that lasts a lifetime!