Are you new to the world of braces?

Are you new to the world of braces? If you answered yes, this blog is for you.  We have noticed that several of our new patients are curious about their treatment and the appliances we use to help them achieve the smile of their dreams. For that reason, we've decided to share the definitions of the appliances, or parts, that make up braces.

Check out these 6 parts of braces and learn more about how they create perfect smiles.

Bands
Bands are a ring of metal that fit around the molars and sometimes premolars. The bands are selected from a range of sizes in order to find the tightest-fitting band. The bands are sealed in position using dental cement that contains fluoride to prevent any decalcification during treatment.

Brackets
The brackets hold the archwire against each tooth. The archwire fits into a slot in the bracket. Brackets may be attached directly to each tooth or to a band.

Archwire
The main wires, or archwires, are shaped specifically to fit around the arch into the bracket slots. Teeth move from the pressure that is applied by the braces. That pressure comes from the archwire, which guides the direction of the movement.

Elastics
An elastic is the tiny rubber ring that ties the archwire into the bracket.

Hooks
Hooks are small attachments on the brackets used to attach elastics (rubber bands).

Coil Spring
The coil spring fits between brackets and over the archwire.

Rhode Island Orthodontic Group is a unique practice offering its patients 7 convenient locations throughout the West Bay area. If you have any further questions regarding your braces, please contact us today!