Get to Know How Your Braces Work
Traditional braces are made of several small parts that work as a team to gently guide teeth into healthier alignment. Our braces diagram walks you through each piece and the role it plays in building a straighter, healthier smile.
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Braces Diagram:
The Parts of Braces and How They Work
Braces may look simple, but every piece has an important job. Brackets, archwires, bands, and other orthodontic appliances apply gentle, controlled pressure that moves teeth into their planned positions over time. When kids and parents know what each part does, orthodontic treatment can feel a lot more familiar and a lot less intimidating.
Orthodontic Bands
Orthodontic bands are small metal rings that fit snugly around certain back teeth, most often the molars. They act as a strong anchor for the rest of your braces and support tooth movement throughout treatment. Each band is fitted individually for comfort and stability, then secured to the tooth as part of your personalized treatment plan.
Brackets
Brackets are the small attachments placed on each tooth to help guide it into proper alignment. The archwire rests in each bracket, so gentle, controlled pressure can move your teeth a little at a time. Brackets are a key part of traditional braces and work hand in hand with the archwire from start to finish.
Archwire
The archwire is the thin metal wire that links your brackets and guides your teeth toward their planned positions. As treatment moves forward, it applies gentle, steady pressure that encourages gradual tooth movement. Your orthodontic team may adjust or replace the wire along the way as your smile changes.
Elastics
Elastics, often called rubber bands, are small stretchy bands that help guide your teeth and bite into better alignment. Depending on your treatment plan, they may connect different brackets or hooks. Wearing them exactly as your orthodontic team directs helps keep your treatment on track.
Hooks
Hooks are small attachments built into or added to certain brackets. They give your elastics a secure place to connect, so your braces can apply targeted pressure that helps correct your bite. Not every patient needs hooks or elastics, and your individual treatment plan will guide whether you do.
Coil Spring
A coil spring is a small orthodontic spring placed over the archwire between brackets. It helps create or hold space between teeth and can help guide teeth into their planned positions. We use coil springs only when your customized treatment plan calls for them, working alongside your brackets and archwire to support gradual movement.
Other Dental Services At
Pleasanton Dental Specialists
Spark™ Clear Aligners
Straighten your smile discreetly with Spark™ Clear Aligners in Pleasanton, TX. These custom, removable aligners gradually guide teeth into better alignment. For qualifying patients, they offer a comfortable, flexible alternative to traditional braces.
Surgical Orthodontics
Surgical orthodontics pairs orthodontic treatment with corrective jaw surgery for patients with certain jaw or bite concerns. Care is carefully coordinated to improve the alignment of the teeth and jaws. The goal is to support healthy oral function and facial balance.
Retainers for Life
Retainers protect your new smile by keeping your teeth in their corrected positions after orthodontic treatment. Our Retainers for Life program makes it easier to maintain your results. It helps keep your smile beautifully aligned for years to come.
Let's Find The Right Treatment
For You Today!
Contact us or fill out our easy online appointment request form. Our team is looking forward to hearing from you and welcoming you to our office!
800 N Bryant St. Pleasanton, TX 78064 | 830-631-0770 | Monday – Thursday: 8 AM – 5 PM