Terms To Help You Understand Your Braces

If you’ve just gotten braces, you may be overwhelmed by the intricate network of new pieces you now have on your teeth. To help you feel more comfortable with the new addition of appliances, it is important to understand braces terminology. This can also make it easier for you to communicate with your orthodontist throughout your treatment.

Although there are several different types of braces, here are some terms for traditional braces that you should know:

Arch Wire: This is the part of your braces that actually move your teeth. The arch wire is attached to the brackets by small elastic donuts or ligature wires. You can expect your arch wires to be changed throughout your treatment.

Brackets: Brackets are the actually “braces” that are bonded directly to the front surface of each tooth. They support the arch wire and can be metal or clear.

Elastics (Rubber Bands): You may be asked to wear rubber bands at some point in your treatment. These small elastic bands attach to the upper and lower teeth. They can be removed for brushing and eating. Elastics are used to better align your bite and should be worn as your orthodontist recommends.

Malocclusion: You probably heard this term when you were first evaluated for orthodontics. Malocclusion simply refers to poor positioning of teeth. It can be categorized as Class I, II, or III, depending on your specific concerns such as overbite, underbite, etc.

O rings: Also known as A-lastics, these are tiny rings used to attach the arch wire to the brackets. While the standard O ring color is gray or clear, younger patients love the ability to choose their own color scheme to make their braces more fun.

Retainer: Your retainer is either a fixed or removable appliance that is designed to help you “retain” your braces results. Many patients incorrectly assume that their orthodontic treatment is complete when they get their braces off, and they fail to understand the importance of the retainer phase. Neglecting to wear your retainer as suggested by your orthodontist can sabotage your hard work of wearing braces by allowing your teeth to revert back to their original position.

At Walton Orthodontics, we value the importance of helping patients understand their specific orthodontic treatment plan, regardless of their age. If you have new parts and pieces in your mouth for months at a time, you should be familiar with their terms and functions.

Walton Orthodontics
2609 Peachtree Pkwy, #C
Suwanee, GA 30024
(770) 663-0955

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