Learn More About Your Braces

Ever wonder what the doctor is talking about when he mentions the Archwire or that you may need to wear Headgear? Below is a list of commonly used terms with braces and a quick diagram courtesy of AAO.

A-Ties
A-Ties are small rubber bands that are placed around the braces. Different colors!

A-Chain
A-Chains are small rubber bands similar to A-Ties but are connected to close space.

Archwires
Archwires are placed through the braces to move teeth.

Bands
Bands are ring-like braces that circle the entire mid-third of the tooth.

Braces
Braces are Bands and Brackets that move teeth.

Brackets
Brackets are metal pads that are placed on the teeth with dental adhesive.

Elastics
Elastics are rubber bands used to correct the bite.

Headgear
Headgear are orthodontic appliance usually connected to molars to move upper teeth.

Invisalign®
Invisalign® are “invisible” braces (resemble like bleaching trays). Learn more about Invisalign® here.

Ligature Wire
Ligature Wire is a thin wire tie used to engage braces.

Lingual Arch
Lingual Arch is a holding brace used on the lower teeth to maintain space during eruption.

Nance
Nance is a holding brace used on the upper arch to maintain space during eruption.

Night Guard
Night Guard is a plastic appliance placed over the occlusal surfaces of the teeth used to ease grinding and clenching.

Power Thread
Power Thread is a thin elastic thread tied to a brace for tooth movement.

Protraction Headgear
Protraction headgear is used to move the upper jaw.

Quad Helix
Quad Helix is an appliance used to stretch the palate moderately with no key.

Rapid Palate Expander
Rapid Palate Expander is an appliance used to stretch the palate rapidly (turned with a key).

Retainer
Retainer is a plastic appliance used to hold teeth in corrected position or used to move teeth moderately.

Rotation Wedge
Rotation Wedge is a small rubber wedge placed on a brace to rotate the tooth.

Separators
Separators are rubber bands placed in between the molars to create space before braces are placed.

Thumb Guard
Thumb Guard is an appliance used on the upper arch used to stop thumb sucking.

Tongue Guard
Tongue Guard is an appliance used on the lower arch to stop a tongue thrust.