Not sure what all of the different parts of your braces are called? Our detailed braces diagram shows you everything from orthodontic elastics and brackets to wires and coil springs.

Archwire – The archwire is the main wire that acts as a track to guide the teeth along. It is changed periodically throughout treatment as teeth move into their correct positions.

Band – The band is a thin ring of metal fitted around a tooth and cemented in place. The band provides a way for the orthodontist to attach the brackets to the tooth.

Bracket – The bracket is a 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.

Coil Spring – The coil spring fits between brackets and over the archwire in order to open space between the teeth.

Elastic (Rubber Band) – Small rubber band that is hooked between different points on the appliance to provide pressure to move the teeth.

Elastic Tie – The elastic tie is a tiny rubber band that fits around the bracket in order to hold the archwire in place.

Headgear Tube – The headgear tube is a round, hollow attachment on the posterior (back) bands. the inner bow of the headgear fits into it.

Hook – The hook is a welded or removable arm that is used to attach (or “hook”) the elastic rubber bands.

Loop in Archwire – The loop in the archwire is frequently used for closing the space left by a tooth extraction. Many archwires, however, do not have a loop.

Tie Wire – The tie wire is a fine wire that is twisted around the bracket to hold the archwire in place.

Our patients visit us from Chandler, Gilbert, Mesa, Scottsdale, Phoenix and surrounding locations.