Orthodontic treatment is an exciting step towards a confident, healthy smile. Whether you get traditional braces, InBrace®, or clear aligners like Invisalign® or Spark™ Aligners, understanding your appliance will make the journey even smoother!
In this post, I’ll explain the parts of braces and aligners, discuss their roles in helping you get outstanding results, and share some tips on caring for orthodontic appliances.
Breaking Down the Parts of Braces
Braces Brackets
Brackets are small, square-shaped attachments bonded directly to the surface of your teeth. They act as anchors for your braces wires, allowing the wires to guide your teeth into their new positions.
Braces brackets come in different materials, including metal and ceramic. If you have traditional metal or clear braces, the brackets will be bonded to the front of your teeth. If you have InBrace, the brackets will be bonded to the back of your teeth on the tongue, or lingual, side.
Braces Wire (Archwire)
The braces wire, or archwire, runs through the brackets. The wire adapts to the initial position of the teeth, and as it tries to return to its original shape, it applies gentle pressure that moves the teeth. Your orthodontist will adjust or replace the wire periodically to guide teeth to the correct positions.
Care Tip: If your archwire comes out, call our El Dorado Hills office, and we’ll ensure your treatment stays on track. For a poking wire, follow the instructions here (scroll down to “Comfort Care Tips”) and, again, call us to let us know about the issue.
InBrace Smartwires®
InBrace Smartwires are different from conventional archwires. The custom shape-memory wires feature a loop design, so you can floss normally. Even more importantly, thanks to advanced computer modeling and artificial intelligence (AI), the Smarwires are programmed with my treatment plan, as well as the end in mind. They use light, continuous force to move your teeth in all three dimensions from day one, which makes it our most customized and fastest option.
Braces Elastics and Rubber Bands
There are two main types of braces rubber bands:
- Braces Colors (ligatures): These small ligatures secure the archwire to the brackets. They come in a variety of colors, letting you personalize your smile, and you may even see some stainless steel ones for teeth that need a bit more attention.
- Braces Elastics or Rubber Bands: These larger rubber bands attach to hooks on your brackets. While your braces straighten the teeth in each arch independently, orthodontic rubber bands provide the direction and force needed to adjust bite alignment and jaw positioning. This means that your wires and your rubber bands do different things, and we commonly need both to get your teeth and bite fitting properly. Think of it like how a steering wheel and the foot pedals are different but work together.
Care Tip: Replace elastics as directed, typically 2-3 times daily, to ensure they maintain the necessary tension.
Molar Bands
Molar bands are metal rings that are wrapped around your back teeth and bonded in place. These bands provide extra stability and serve as anchors for other braces components.
Care Tip: Keep your molar bands clean by flossing around them daily. A water flosser can be helpful too, especially if it’s hard to get string floss in there.
Coil Springs
These small metal springs fit between brackets and over the archwire to help create or maintain space between teeth.
Care Tip: Be mindful when brushing and flossing around coil springs. You want to keep them debris-free without accidentally breaking them.
Bite Ramp
Bite ramps are little blocks that are bonded to the back of the teeth – most commonly, the top front teeth. They stop patients with a severe overbite, or deep bite, from biting down on the bottom braces, which can damage appliances. We typically remove the bite ramps once the bite has opened enough.
Clear Aligner Components
Aligners
Of course, I have to mention your aligners themselves. Whether Invisalign or Spark Aligners, these custom-made, BPA-free plastic trays fit over the entire arch of teeth. Each set of clear aligners is pre-programmed to achieve specific tooth movements by exerting steady, gentle force. As you make your way through the series, your smile gradually takes shape.
Care Tip: Clean your aligners in the morning and before bed by brushing them with a soft-bristled toothbrush and rinsing them with lukewarm water. Your goal is to keep them as clean as they were when you opened up the bag. To keep your teeth healthy, brush your teeth after eating and before you put your aligners back in.
Invisalign Attachments
If aligners alone won’t do the trick (which is often the case), I may pair them with attachments. These small, tooth-colored bumps are bonded to certain teeth. They give the aligners something to grip to get the leverage needed to achieve more complex tooth movements.
Care Tip: Brush your attachments whenever you brush your teeth. This will get rid of plaque and prevent them from staining.
Invisalign Rubber Bands
Like traditional braces elastics, Invisalign rubber bands can be used with clear aligners to correct bite issues. These bands attach to small hooks on the aligners or buttons bonded to your teeth.
Care Tip: Change the bands as instructed and wear them consistently for the best results.
Tips for Taking Care of Orthodontic Appliances
- Brush and Floss Regularly: Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste to clean around brackets, wires, and attachments. Brush your teeth in the morning, after meals and snacks, and before bed. Floss at least once a day. If you have braces, you’ll need to use a floss threader, a product like SuperFloss, or orthodontic flossers to get under your braces wires.Waterpiks or water flossers are great for getting large debris out too, but can have a hard time with sticky plaque; be sure to reach for that floss to finish things off. The sides of your teeth account for about ⅓ of the surface area on your teeth, so don’t forget to show them some love.
- Avoid Problem Foods: Sticky, hard, or chewy foods can damage your braces. Opt for food that’s easier to chew. We always say, if the food makes a crunch noise, it’s probably too hard for your braces and will break them. While there are no food restrictions with clear aligners, you will need to take your aligners out before eating or drinking anything aside from plain still water.
- Use Your Rubber Bands According to Plan: Follow your orthodontist’s instructions for wearing your elastics or rubber bands. This will help you finish your treatment on time. You might think that doubling up the rubber bands can help make things faster after not wearing them for a period, but it can actually slow things down. Slow and steady wins the race here.
- Attend Regular Appointments: Regular check-ups allow your orthodontist to monitor your progress and make necessary adjustments. Without monitoring for the movements we anticipate, we won’t be able to make the adjustments needed to guide you to your finish line.
- Wear a Mouthguard When Playing Sports: While not all sports require a mouthguard, you should wear one anyway, particularly if you’re in orthodontic treatment. A mouthguard protects your appliances and your mouth.
The Bottom Line
From braces brackets to Invisalign attachments, every component of your orthodontic appliance works together to give you a smile you love.
Whether you have questions about the parts of braces or you’re ready to get started on your teeth-straightening journey, the team at Jeffrey Kwong Orthodontics in El Dorado Hills is here to guide you every step of the way.
Book a complimentary consultation to explore your treatment options.
