Parts of Braces

An Explanation Of What Makes Up Orthodontic Braces

There are a variety of treatment types today that can result in straight teeth. Those treatment methods are faster and more comfortable than ever before. One method that has been tried and true over the years are braces—but these aren’t your grandmother’s braces. Throughout the years, braces have stayed relatively the same in look and structure, however, with the help of innovation and medical advancement, braces are becoming more effective and more affordable than ever!

What Pieces Compose Dental Braces & How Do They Work?

Dr. Dorsch has been giving patients a new, more beautiful smile using the latest orthodontic techniques for more than 30 years. He has seen all of the revelations in orthodontic treatment that have occurred and has followed the advancements in orthodontics his entire career. Staying ahead of the curve in the dental industry ensures a thoughtful and customized orthodontic treatment for all his patients. He and his knowledgeable staff want you to understand braces treatment, from the inside and out. The parts that comprise the braces that will lead to your dazzling new smile are as follows:

• Bands - Bands are a ring of metal which fit around the molars and sometimes premolars. The bands are selected from a range of sizes in order to find the tightest fitting band. The bands are sealed in position using dental cement that contains fluoride to prevent any decalcification during treatment.
• Brackets - Brackets are the small metal squares that are glued directly to the front of each tooth with dental cement in order to hold the archwire against each tooth. The archwire fits into a slot in the square bracket.
• Archwire - Archwires, or the main wires, are shaped specifically to fit around the arch into the bracket slots. Teeth move from the pressure that is applied by the braces which is, in turn, caused by the archwires. The pressure that comes from the archwire ensures the guided direction of the movement. Dr. Dorsch manipulates the direction by knowing exactly where to tighten!
• Elastics - An elastic is the tiny rubber ring that ties the archwire into the bracket.
• Hooks - Hooks are small attachments on the brackets used to attach elastics (rubber bands).
• Coil Spring - The coil spring fits between brackets and over the archwire.

Contact Your Kansas City Braces Expert!

We hope this better explains what will be going on inside your mouth when you elect to get started with your braces treatment. Whether you are a young teen or an older adult, we offer the orthodontic process that will work best for the state of your oral health and smile as well as your particular preferences: different types of braces or Invisalign. Give us a call today at (816) 454-6800 to schedule your next appointment at our Kansas City, Liberty or Cameron offices. Alternatively, you can use our online appointment form to find a time that’s best for you for your free first-time consultation. Let Dr. Dorsch help you acquire the beautiful, confident smile you’ve always wanted!