Archwires: the main wire that fits into the brackets or other attachments, on the outside of your teeth. This is fastened to your brackets by tiewires, or small plastic attachments. The archwire provides a track along which your teeth move.
Band: small, thin, metal ring that we cement onto your teeth. These are merely "handles" by which we can move, or hold, your teeth.
Bracket: On the small bands we place on your teeth are these little attachments which are welded or soldered to the band. These are the activating parts of your braces.
Chain:
Coil Spring:
Elastics: During phases of treatment, we may have you wear rubber bands, hooked from one tooth to another, or one jaw to the other. These are merely an activating force by which we move teeth.
Hook: This is a small additional attachment that is placed on your archwire. It is usually used to attach rubber bands, or on occasion, a headgear, directly t the archwire. Should on of these break between appointments, notify our office immediately.
Ligature or Tiewire: These are the funny little fine wires, that fasten your archwire into the brackets.They are twisted, leaving a small "pigtail", or twisted wire, whish is then tucked under the archwire. Sometimes, in eating or brushing, this may become bent our and form a little sticker. If this happens, push it back against the archwire, until we can see you.
Separators: Many times, it is necessary to place either small wires or small elastics between your teeth to help make room for the placing of your future braces. This often may feel as if you have a piece of meat caught between your teeth. This sensation passes quickly as your teeth move apart.
Singles or "O" Rings: These little rings, or colored modules, are often used instead of tiewires to attach your archwire to the brackets.
