“Braces” is a term that refers to the bands, brackets, archwires, ligating modules (power O's), steel ligatures, elastics, etc. that Dr. Boyd uses to move your teeth. Bands are the small metal “rings” that go around your back teeth. (Bands may be placed on your back teeth because of the forces you use when you chew.) The bands are attached to your teeth with very strong cement. The cement holds the band securely to your tooth. The cement also seals the tooth from getting food debris inside the band, which could cause decay. The part of the brace that moves the back tooth is called a buccal tube. It is welded to the band and the archwire is attached to the buccal tube to move the tooth.
How to protect and care for your braces
Brackets
Brackets are the small parts that are attached to the rest of your teeth.
There are 2 kinds of brackets, metal and ceramic. The ceramic brackets are
also sometimes called “clear braces” or “tooth colored braces”.
The brackets are attached to the outer surface of the teeth with a special
orthodontic bonding material. You may find it easier to just think of the
brackets as being “glued” to your teeth.
Archwire
The Archwire is the wire that goes from tooth to tooth through the brackets
and buccal tubes. The brackets and buccal tubes are the “handles”
that hold onto the teeth. The archwire is what actually does the work of tooth
movement. Archwires are made from various types of metals and alloys of metals.
Some archwires are small and very flexible. These are used at the beginning
of your orthodontic treatment. Other wires are larger and much stiffer. These
archwires are used as your teeth become straighter.
Ligating Modules
Ligating modules, also called Power O's are very small rubber bands that attach
the archwire to each bracket. The Power O's come in clear and multiple colors.
The Power O's will be replaced at your appointments with Dr. Boyd. Changing
your colors gives you the appearance of having “new braces”!
Steel Ligatures
Steel Ligatures are sometimes used to tie in your archwire to the brackets.
Ligatures are very thin yet strong steel wires. When these are used, Power
O's are not placed on the brackets.
Elastics
Elastics are
the “rubber bands” you see orthodontic patients wearing from time
to time. The braces on your top teeth get your top teeth straight. The braces
on your bottom teeth get your bottom teeth straight. It is the use of elastics
that get the teeth to fit together well.
Elastics come in various sizes and strengths. They are also worn in several
different ways. Dr. Boyd will determine when you need to start wearing elastics
and explain to you how they should be worn. Elastics have never failed to
move teeth. If you wear your elastics well, you may be able to get your braces
off sooner than expected! Elastics come in both clear and colors. You can
choose which ones you want to wear.
