Braces Diagram

Elastic Tie

Tiny rubber band that fits around the bracket to hold the archwire in place.

Loop in Archwire

Frequently used for closing space left by an extraction. Many archwires don’t have a loop

Archwire

The main wire that acts as a track to guide the teeth along. It’s changed periodically throughout treatment, as teeth move to their new positions.

Bracker

Small attachment that holds the archwire in place. Most often, a bracket is cemented directly onto the tooth’s surface, eliminating the need for a band.

Headgear Tube

Round, hollow attachment on the back bands. The inner bow of the headgear fits into it.

Elastic (Rubber Band)

Small rubber band that is hooked between different points on the appliance to provide pressure to move the teeth.

Hook

Welded or removable arm to which elastics (rubber bands) are attached.

Band

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

Coil Spring

Fits between brackets and over archwire to open space between teeth.