What Are Braces Made up Of?

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Are you undergoing braces treatment, or have you recently had braces recommended for your smile? You may be wondering how braces work to straighten your smile. Our team is thrilled to shed some light on the subject.

Brackets
Brackets are small squares that are bonded to the front of each tooth or are attached to the teeth with orthodontic bands. These brackets hold the arch wires that move the teeth to their correct positions. Brackets can be made from several things, including stainless steel, tooth-colored ceramic or tooth-colored plastic.

Orthodontic Bands
If orthodontic bands are used, they wrap around each tooth to hold the brackets in place. Some patients have brackets and no orthodontic bands. Dr. Dr. Nathan Helm can determine if orthodontic bands are right for you.

Spacers
Spacers may be used to create a separation between the teeth so that orthodontic bands can be placed.

Arch Wires
Arch wires are used to guide the movement of the teeth. They are made of metal or a clear or tooth-colored material and are attached to the brackets.

Ties
These small rubber rings or fine wires attach the arch wires to the brackets. The ties can be clear, metal or colored.

Elastics or Rubber Bands
Elastics or rubber bands can be attached to hooks on the brackets and worn between the upper and lower teeth. They are used to apply pressure to move the upper teeth against the lower teeth to achieve a perfect fit.

We encourage you to contact Helm Orthodontics at 303.371.0371 to learn more about braces in Denver, Colorado, and to schedule a visit with our dentist.