Braces Diagram

Elastic Tie

A small rubber band placed between various points on the appliance to apply pressure and move the teeth.

Sometimes used to close gaps after tooth extraction. Not all archwires have a loop.

Archwire is the main wire that guides the teeth along their new positions. It is changed periodically during treatment as the teeth move.

A small attachment that holds the archwire in place and is cemented directly onto the tooth’s surface.

A hollow, round attachment on the back bands. It holds the inner bow of the headgear.

Fits between brackets and over the archwire to create space between teeth.

A thin wire twisted around the bracket to secure the archwire in place.

A thin metal ring placed around a tooth and cemented in position. It provides a way to attach the brackets to the tooth.

An arm that can be either welded or removable, used to attach elastics (rubber bands).

A small rubber band that is attached between different points on the appliance to apply pressure and move the teeth.