The bracket is a piece of shaped metal or ceramic that serves as the “handle” that allows us to grab onto and control the movement of each tooth, individually.

A band is a ring for the molar teeth or sometimes for the premolars which fits around the entire tooth. The archwire is a special U-shaped metallic alloy that enables proper straightening and movement of the teeth. During appointments, it is usually changed or adjusted according to individual needs. The archwire is held onto the bracket with either an elastic ligature (or o-ring), which come in a variety of colors, or a metal ligature tie.

The wire threads through the brackets and, as the wire tries to return to its original shape, it applies pressure to move your teeth. Teeth optimaly move between 1 and 2 millimeters per month.

During certain phases of treatment, patients may be asked to wear elastics. These small rubber bands attach to hooks on certain teeth and exert a force that creates just the right amount of pressure to move teeth in specific ways. In order for this force to remain constant, elastics must be worn as directed.