Braces 101 with Sanborn Orthodontics

If you ever have damage to your braces and need to call Sanborn Orthodontics, we can help more effectively if you can tell us exactly which piece is in trouble!  Here's a handy diagram and corresponding list of all the parts that make up your braces.

Elastic Chain:  Tiny rubber bands that are fit under the bracket to close spaces.

Archwire:  The main wire that acts as a track to guide the teeth into position.  It's changed periodically throughout treatment, as teeth move to their new positions.

Archwire Loop:  Occasionally used for closing space left by an extraction.  Most archwires don't have loops.

Band:  A thin ring of metal fitted around a tooth and cemented in placed.  The band provides a way to attach the brackets to the tooth.

Bracket:  The main, small attachment that holds the archwire in placed.  Most often, a bracket is cemented directly onto the tooth's surface, eliminating the need for a band.

Headgear Tube (Rarely used in our office):  Round, hollow attachment on the back of bands.  The inner bow of the headgear fits into it.

Coil Spring:  Fits between brackets and over archwires to open spaces between teeth.

Ligature Ties:  Fine wire that is twisted under the archwire or around brackets.

Hook:  Welded or removable arms used to attach elastics (rubber bands).

Elastics (Rubber Bands):  Small rubber bands that hook between different points on the appliance to provide pressure to help move teeth.

Hope this helps.  Give us a call if you have any questions!!!