A word commonly used to describe a fixed orthodontic appliance, usually comprised of brackets, bands and wires. The diagram below illustrates and names each part of a typical set of braces.
1. Metal BandThe band is the cemented ring of metal which wraps around the tooth.
2. BracketsBrackets are connected to the bands, or directly bonded on the teeth, and hold the archwire in place.
3. Steel LigatureA thin steel wire used to hold the arch wire in place, this would be placed instead of the elastic colored ties.
4. ArchwireThe archwire is tied to all of the brackets and creates force to move teeth into proper alignment.
5. Elastic LigatureThe archwire is held to each bracket with a ligature, which can be either a tiny elastic or a twisted wire.
6. Bracket HooksThe bracket or band extensions that are used for the attachment of rubber bands.
7/8. Headgear and Bucal TubeThese are brace attachments welded to side of the upper and lower bands.