Parts of Metal Braces

1. BANDS
Stainless steel bands encircle and are cemented to the back teeth.

2. ATTACHMENT
Tube or bracket welded to a band.

3. BRACKET
A grooved piece attached to a band or a tooth that holds the main wire. These may be metal or clear.

4. ARCHWIRE
The main wire that is connected to all teeth and upon which the teeth slide like a train on rails.

5. TIES OR LIGATURES
Elastic or wires that hold the archwire into the bracket.

6. HOOKS
Metal extensions which are used to attach rubber bands to the braces.

7. SPRING
Placed on the archwire between two brackets in order to push teeth next to the spring apart or pull two teeth together.

8. TUBE
A pipe into which the archwire or headgear may be inserted.

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