Metal Braces
Metal braces are the most common type of braces for orthodontic patients. Today’s metal braces are much smaller, flatter, and more comfortable than in the past. Patients of all ages choose metal braces to help them achieve straight, beautiful smiles.
Metal braces are made of high quality stainless steel or titanium. The three main parts of your braces are:
Brackets:
Brackets are attached to the teeth using special glue that bonds them to the tooth surface and holds them in place.
Archwire:
The archwire is the thin metal wire that connects each bracket and puts pressure on the teeth to help guide them into place.
Ligature Elastic (also known as the “rubber bands”):
Elastics, or rubber bands, are the colored ties that hold the archwires to the brackets. Your orthodontist will change the elastics at each appointment. Elastics may come in a variety of colors.