Orthodontic brackets are bonded to teeth with cement and designed to control tooth angle and movement. Each bracket has a slot where the archwire is inserted to guide tooth movement. Tie wings on the edges of the brackets and secure the archwire using ligatures. Some brackets come with hooks at the back, which attach additional components, such as elastics and coil springs. Hooks are typically found on brackets placed on canine and premolar teeth.

Molar bands are used for teeth that cannot be treated effectively with brackets, such as partially erupted teeth or those below the gum line. They are also utilized when additional appliances like headgear or teeth with large restorations are required. Molar bands feature a tube where the archwire is inserted, connecting them to brackets. Some bands include a larger tube to accommodate headgear. Once the correct size band is selected, it is bonded to the tooth.

After brackets are bonded to the teeth, an archwire is placed into the bracket slots to initiate treatment. Archwires come in various shapes (round, square, or rectangular) and materials (stainless steel, nickel-titanium, or beta-titanium). The choice of archwire depends on the treatment stage and the required tooth movement.

Ligatures secure the archwire to the bracket. They can be elastomeric or stainless steel.

• Elastomeric Ligatures: Small elastic bands stretched over the bracket wings to hold the archwire in place. They come in different colors and are replaced at every orthodontic visit.
• Stainless Steel Ligatures: These are twisted around the bracket wings to secure the archwire. The ends are trimmed, and the tie is tucked under the archwire to prevent irritation to the cheeks or lips.

Self-ligating brackets, however, do not require ligatures, as they have built-in mechanisms to hold the archwire in place.

Additional components may be used during orthodontic treatment to address specific needs. These include power chains, intermaxillary elastics, and coil springs.

• Power Chains: These elastic components are commonly used to close gaps between teeth or rotate teeth. Teeth on either side of the gap are anchored with stainless steel ligatures, and the chain is stretched across the space.
• Intermaxillary Elastics: These elastic bands create force between the upper and lower jaws to adjust tooth and jaw alignment. The configuration of elastics varies depending on the treatment plan.
• Active or Open Coil Springs: These springs create space between teeth. The dentist places the coil between the teeth, gradually increasing the gap as needed.

Elastics are rubber bands that apply additional force to improve bite alignment. They attach to hooks on the brackets and can be configured in different ways based on the patient’s treatment needs. For optimal results, elastics should be replaced three to four times daily and worn 24 hours a day, as advised by your orthodontist.

A palatal expander is a custom appliance that gradually widens the upper jaw to create more space for teeth. It is attached to the teeth and adjusted over time to expand the jaw. Palatal expanders are typically used during the early stages of orthodontic treatment to prepare for braces. Consult your orthodontist to determine if a palatal expander is necessary for your treatment plan.