What Are the Different Parts of Braces Called?

At Utah Orthodontic Care, we believe everyone deserves a smile they can show off with confidence for years to come. That’s why we’re proud to be Salt Lake City’s premier dental office specializing in affordable braces for patients of all ages. We are a family-owned business that has been providing high quality braces and orthodontic payment plans for more than 40 years—and with 8 convenient locations in and around the Salt Lake City area—superior orthodontic care is always close by and never far.

Our expert doctors want every patient to feel informed and comfortable with their braces treatment. Part of this involves understanding each of the different parts of the braces that will lead to your dazzling new smile. Continue reading to learn about each part.

Archwire

This is the primary wire in your braces that is shaped 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.

Bands

Bands are a ring of metal, which secures orthodontic attachments to your molars and premolars. They are selected from a range of sizes in order to find the tightest fitting band, customized to fit around the contours of your teeth, and are then cemented into place. The dental cement which seals them into place contains fluoride to prevent any decalcification during treatment.

Brackets

Brackets are bonded to your teeth and hold the archwire in place against each tooth. They are either made of stainless steel, or a clear ceramic material. The archwire fits into a slot in each bracket. Brackets may be attached directly to each tooth, or to a band.

Elastic Tie

An elastic is the tiny rubber ring that ties the archwire into the bracket. Elastics come in a variety of colors, which makes them customizable and so much fun to wear!

Hooks

Hooks are small attachments on the brackets used to attach elastics, or to apply forces to the archwire.

Spacers

Spacers are small elastics that fit tightly in between certain teeth to move them slightly until bands can be placed on later.

Monthly Orthodontic Payments

We hope this has been helpful in understanding the different parts of braces. At Utah Orthodontic Care, we strive to make dream smiles attainable for everyone with our orthodontic financing options, including monthly payment plans. Whether you’re looking for cheap braces for your child needing orthodontic treatment, or want to improve your smile as an adult, you can trust us to meet your needs.

Schedule A Consultation Today!

Ready to straighten your teeth with affordable orthodontics in Salt Lake City? Schedule a free consultation at one of our 8 convenient locations, or give us a call today at (801) 999-4431. We look forward to providing you with the exceptional care you deserve to achieve a beautiful and long-lasting smile!