Archwire: This is the main wire that fits
into the brackets or other attachments, on the outside of your
teeth. It provides most of the forces that move your teeth. The
archwire also provides a track along which your teeth move.
Bands: These are thin bands of metal, carefully fitted to the
tooth and then cemented in place. They carry brackets, tubes, hooks,
or rotating levers (in other words, they become a handle on your
tooth). They give us a way to grasp and control each individual
tooth.
Brackets: Small attachments that are bonded to your teeth.
Brackets transmit the forces from the archwire to your teeth.
Elastic Ligature: These little rings, or colored modules, are
used to attach the archwire to the brackets. There are plenty of
colors to choose from including clear rings. The modules are dark
green in the photo above.
Hooks: Small attachments used to apply forces to the archwire
or individual teeth. These are usually used to attach rubber bands.
Rubber Bands: Often called "elastics", rubber bands are used
to provide special forces to your teeth. These forces cannot be
achieved with archwires alone and require excellent patient
cooperation.
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