What Are All These Parts Of Braces? (Full Breakdown)

The different parts of braces may surprise you. There are many little devices doing their own thing to move teeth. A list of them is below. Wonder no more what it takes to move your teeth into the correct position. No matter your age the different parts are the same. Read on.

Different Parts of Braces

Upper and Lower Teeth Elastics

Elastics, also known as rubber bands connect the upper arch to the lower arch. This force moves the teeth. Elastics are also called rubber bands.

They are essential for the over movement and uniformity of results. You can get fun colors. They are changed daily.

Brackets

Brackets are the thing we see the most when looking at people with braces. They hold the archwires to the teeth.

These brackets are stainless steel, with a tooth-colored base if requested. For the youthful wearers, brackets come in shapes such as stars, footballs, and hearts. A few brackets have a small hook for fixing bite problems.

Separators

Separators create space between your molar before installing your device. Molars that need metal bands will have been moved with a separator.

Worn for a week, the teeth move apart. This allows the thick bands to fit around the molars.

O-Rings

An O-Ring is one elastic ring. This holds the archwire to the bracket. You can wear different colors and they are changed regularly.

Self-ligating brackets DO NOT use O-Rings.

Archwire

An Archwire is a thin wire connecting the teeth and brackets. This is what moves teeth. You may have a thicker one to begin then swap for a thinner size.

The size depends on the individual client and at what stage of treatment.

Coil Springs and Power Chains

Coil springs and power chains are used when some muscle is needed. Coil springs separate teeth by ensuring constant pressure.

Power chains do the opposite. A link of elasticated rings will form a chain structure and pull teeth inward. They are strong and can also stop the development of gaps during the treatment process.

Ligature

A Ligature is a tiny band that holds the archwire in place to the bracket. You can get them in fun colors and they are changeable on every visit.

To keep the maximum effect from the ligatures, your orthodontist will replace the ligatures during each appointment.

Bite Ramp

A Bite ramp is a small plastic block. A deep bite will get you one of these. This device will from the back of the mouth open to a deep bite position.

You will not be able to bite incorrectly and damage the wire and elastics. Once your bite is developed it will be removed.

Herbst Appliance

A Herbst appliance is an orthopedic device that modifies the growth process. It does this by keeping the lower jaw forward. Maximum jaw growth is the result.

A Herbst appliance is secured in place and non-removable. Your mouth movement is not affected.

What is Orthodontic Treatment?

Orthodontic treatment is the correction of malocclusions and jaw irregularities. There are several types of treatment options available. Here a quick breakdown will spell it out.

Different Types of Braces

Metal/Traditional

Traditional braces are the least expensive and are available in several different colors. Used for severe malocclusions and is still a big part of orthodontics.

Ceramic

Ceramic braces are the same as the traditional type. Made of a clear color, they blend in with the tooth.

More expensive than the traditional option. You need to treat them well or they will stain easily.

Lingual

Lingual braces are the same as the traditional ones. Only they go on the back or the inside of the teeth.

Expensive and difficult to maintain. Appointments are long and few experts treat with this style.

Invisalign

Invisalign treatment uses clear, removable, and customized plastic aligners push teeth into position. Advanced 3-D technology-designed aligner sets fit your teeth and move them step by step.

Remove to eat and brush your teeth. Youngsters like this style as they are invisible. If this is you then go here for information on this popular style.

Conclusion

We are experts with orthodontic patients. We have complete knowledge of all aspects of braces treatment. Any oral health issues that come from treatment are treatable and known by the doctors and the team.

Gluck Orthodontics is a trusted name in orthodontic care. Dr. Gluck is a board-certified orthodontic specialist. He is also a Diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics.

Here at Gluck Orthodontics, we proudly provide any patient with the very latest in orthodontic care plus a little something extra from the friendly staff that we like to call ‘The Gluck Experience.’

To learn more about different parts of braces and oral health during orthodontic appliance treatment, schedule your initial orthodontic consultation, call us at 615-269-5903. Or visit us online or in person.

joelgluck

Dr. Joel Gluck has practiced orthodontics since 1983 when he opened his own office in Nashville. He earned his undergraduate degree at Washington University in St. Louis, and his dental degree at the University of Tennessee. Dr. Gluck then completed an orthodontic specialty residency at the University of Michigan, one of the top five orthodontic training residencies in the country. He also wrote an original thesis and received a Master of Science degree.