Different parts of orthodontic braces

An appointment or braces can be a scary thought for some. You may wonder what goes into the procedure or how much it will hurt. An orthodontic appliance will have many different parts. Your orthodontist will know what parts are going to do what movements.

FACT:

You need not fear the placement of wires and brackets of traditional braces. In this post, we’ll show you what the different parts of braces are and what they do. Let’s get going.

Brackets

Braces have a bracket that attaches to a tooth’s crown with special dental cement. The bracket is a small rectangle piece that attaches to your tooth’s front. The wires hold the archwire against the teeth. The brackets are available in silver or gold stainless steel. Or in clear or porcelain to blend in with your teeth.

What is a Clear Bracket?

This is a bracket constructed from a ceramic material that matches the color of a tooth. Some patients prefer to avoid braces because the braces are less visible.

Fun Shapes for The Kids

When your child is interested in adding a bit of fun to the braces, you can purchase brackets in different colors, such as footballs, stars, or hearts. They function exactly like regular brackets making the procedure equally efficient. Certain brackets have small hooks which help fix bite problems.

Self ligating Brackets

Self ligating brackets that need no rubber bands. They function the same as traditional braces with rubber bands. Less changing and appointment are needed.

Power Chain

A Power Chain is arranged through rubber o-ring rows. These are similar to chains because each small rubber piece is tied to the next one. The chains are spread across multiple brackets, and the chain is wrapped around the ring. As chains contract, the tooth ties are pulled together.

This is used as part of the process for shifting a tooth along an archwire or closing space. Power chains may come in clear, gray, and varying shades of color.

Coil Springs

A coil spring may be added to your braces if you have teeth that are too close together. With the archwire and brackets placed over the springs, the teeth are gently separated and more space is created. 

Herbst Appliances

Herbst appliances are orthopedic devices that help in modifying growth in useful ways. Unlike other headgear that is removable, this Herbst appliance is permanently mounted. The upper jaw can be kept facing forward and helps increase the lower jaw’s growth ability.

Although one can place his lower jaw a little forward while using Herbst appliances, he can open & close and move his jaw in a normal manner.

Elastics (Tiny Rubber Bands)

Elastics are rubber bands the therapist applies between an upper arch bracket and lower arch bracket to create the force to move teeth. There are tooth-colored elastic as well as very colored ones.

The elastic tends to stretch over time you should change it every single day, this allows you to maintain effective teeth movements. Our elastic bags give you a few extra bags to use as you require.

It is necessary that you wear elastics properly to achieve optimum results and that braces are properly removed.

More Parts of Orthodontic Braces

Separators

Separators (or spacing strips) are small rubber bands that help in forming a space in front of the front teeth. These can be used in molars with metal bands around them. Teeth are usually close together.

The separator between the teeth should be placed in thickness. The separator pushes a few teeth apart to allow bands to be inserted around these teeth.

O-Rings

Orings are rubber rings that attach each anchor to an archwire. Using a stretchable O-ring, Dr Burkey and his team attach them to an archwire. The O-ring is usually gray or white to match the bracket and is available in a variety of fun colors.

(A self-ligating bracket has no rings as the bracket has a small door opening to secure the archwire.)

Archwires

The archwire is what keeps your teeth moving. Archwires are tiny strands that have metal screws glued onto brackets by removing a small clip (self aligned securing brace) or a rubber band.

The thinner wire makes teeth move better than the thinner wire. Arch wires are frequently changed in rechecks for changes in tooth tensions.

Ligatures

They make children and teens feel amazed by braces in general. The girls make their wardrobes around them. Ligatures are tiny plastic bands that connect wires to brackets.

It comes with several different colors and adjustment is performed. Patients can choose different combinations at the same time, making the visit fun.

Bands

Bands are placed on back teeth or on molar bones and molars. Your orthodontist may use their instrument to place it under your back teeth so it fits correctly. Most orthodontic bands use attaching wires to enable archwires to be carried through.

What Are Invisalign®Aligners?

An Invisalign® orthodontic treatment plan is used for a mild to moderate malocclusion. A variety of dental issues affect people over generations. This can be caused by problems in your jaws or teeth.

Invisalign Clear aligners are designed to align the bite gradually. The shape and size of the aligners will adjust according to the movements in your teeth.

Easily removed from top and bottom teeth. Invisalign aligners are great for teens and young people seeking treatment. A retainer will be the same as the aligners.

Conclusion

A good oral expert will know what any part of your braces is. He or she will also know how to implement Invisalign treatment to maximum effect.

If you maintain good oral health techniques during the treatment, it’s likely that your smile and bite will become perfect. 

Whether you want to get full orthodontic perfection or to address issues, we can advise you. Get in touch with our orthodontic office today to schedule your first appointment with Dr. McDermott.

Talk to us about insurance coverage on treatment and Invisalign cost too.