How Braces Work

Braces use constant, gentle pressure, which over time, move teeth into their proper positions. Your braces are at work every moment of your orthodontic treatment. The two main components of your braces are: the brackets that are placed on your teeth and the main archwire that connects them. The bracket is a piece of shaped metal or ceramic that we affix to each tooth. The archwire moves your teeth into their correct position.

Parts of Braces

Arch wire: This is the main wire that connects all the braces together on the outside of the teeth.  It provides force to move the teeth and acts as a guide or track along which the teeth move.  Arch wires are changed numerous times during the course of orthodontic treatment.

O rings: These little rings,  also called A-lastics, are used to attach the arch wire to the brackets .  These rings come in standard gray or clear, but also come in a wide variety of colors to make braces more fun.  A-lastics are changed at every appointment to maintain good attachment of the arch wire to the bracket, enabling our patients to enjoy many different color schemes throughout treatment.

Hooks: These are small, blunt attachments to the brackets that allow the patient to wear elastics from the top to the bottom teeth.

Brackets: These are small stainless steel devices that are bonded (glued) to the teeth.  They provide a strong attachment to the tooth which allows the forces of the arch wire to be transmitted to the teeth.

Elastics: These are rubber bands which are often used in orthodontic treatment.  They provide added pressure to help move the teeth and jaws into better alignment. The patient wears elastics as indicated, usually removing them for eating and brushing.