Orthodontic Appliances are devices that the Orthodontist attaches to the teeth or to the braces brackets. They might be fixed in place with cement, or removable. Orthodontists use Appliances to help to move the teeth, keep
Arch Wire
An Arch Wire is a metal wire which is attached to the orthodontic brackets to move the teeth. It is called an “arch wire” because the wire spans the entire length of each arch in your mouth. Arch Wires can be made of
Molar Band
A Molar Band (also called an Orthodontic Band) is a metal ring that is placed around a tooth (usually a Premolar or a Molar) to hold on parts of your braces. Molar Bands provide a solid anchor to an Arch Wire.
Orthodontic Bracket
A Bracket is a metal or ceramic part that is attached to a tooth with a Band or bonded with adhesive. Brackets provide a place to fasten the Arch Wire onto each tooth. This is what enables the force necessary to move the
Buccal Tube
A Buccal Tube is a small metal part on the outside of a Molar Band which contains a slot for attaching orthodontic devices. A Buccal Tube can help to attach Arch Wires, Lip Bumpers, Facebows and other devices or appliances
Power Chains
Power Chains (also called simply Chains or Orthodontic Chains) are a length of elasticized chain used in place of ligatures on orthodontic brackets. They are essentially a series of connected elastic ligatures, and are made
Elastic Ligature
Elastic Ligatures (often simply called Ligatures) are small o-shaped elasticized rings which fit around the braces brackets to hold the arch wires in place. Some Ligatures are made with latex, but if you have a latex allergy
Tie Wire
A Tie Wire (also called a Wire Ligature or Metal Ligature) is a thin metal wire used in place of an elastic ligature. It is tied and twisted over the arch wire and around the braces bracket. Orthodontists might use a tie
Orthodontic Elastics
Orthodontic Elastics (sometimes called just "Elastics" or "RubberBands") provide a gentle and continuous force that helps move the upper and lower teeth relative to each other. They attach to the hooks on the brackets of your