Types of Braces
Basic Components of Braces
- Brackets made of metal or ceramic. A bracket is attached to each tooth.
- Bands are metal rings that are usually placed only on back teeth.
- An Arch Wire, which is a thin metal wire that runs from bracket to bracket and puts pressure on the teeth.
- The Elastic Ligature Tie (also called an "o-ring"). This is a small colored elastic that holds the bracket onto the arch wire. The ligatures are usually changed at each adjustment visit.
- The brackets and bands are held on to the teeth by Bonding material (glue).
- Accessories on the braces such as headgear tubs, hooks, loops and steel ties are also often used for maximum control and tooth movement.
Self Ligating Braces do not need the ligatures which are the bands that hold the wire in place. Instead they have brackets that hold the arch wire in place.
