Dictionary & Brace Diagram

Brace/Bracket

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

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.

Elastic Tie/Ligature

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

Steel Ligature

A thin wire that holds your archwire into your bracket.

Band

A thin ring of metal fitted around a tooth and cemented in place. Bands are sometimes needed for certain appliances (RPE, Forsus).

Coil Spring

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

Hook

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

Elastic (Rubber Band)

Small rubber band that is hooked from the top teeth to the bottom teeth and is used to correct the bite.