Braces wires, also known as archwires, are put on by threading them through the brackets that are cemented to your teeth and then securing them.
Here's a breakdown of the process, focusing on how the wire is attached:
Components Involved
- Brackets: These are small metal or ceramic pieces that are cemented directly onto the surface of each tooth.
- Arch Wire: This is the wire that runs along the dental arch. It's the active component that applies pressure to move the teeth.
- Attachment Method: The wire needs to be held in place within the brackets. According to the provided reference, this is done using:
- Clips: Used in a type of braces called self-ligating braces. The brackets themselves have a built-in mechanism (a clip or door) that closes over the wire.
- Rubber Bands: Also known as ligatures or o-rings. These small elastic bands are stretched around the "wings" of the bracket and over the wire to hold it securely in the slot of the bracket.
The Attachment Process
Once the brackets are cemented to your teeth and molar bands (thin metal rings sometimes placed around back teeth) are fitted, the orthodontist places the arch wire.
- Threading the Wire: The arch wire is carefully threaded through the slot or channel in each bracket from one end of the arch to the other.
- Securing the Wire: After the wire is in place through all the brackets, it is then secured.
- If using self-ligating braces, the orthodontist simply closes the built-in clips on each bracket, locking the wire in place.
- If using traditional braces, the orthodontist uses small rubber bands (ligatures) or sometimes thin wire ties to wrap around the bracket and over the arch wire, holding it snugly within the bracket's slot.
This attachment method ensures the arch wire stays engaged with the brackets, allowing it to exert the necessary force to gradually shift the teeth into their correct positions over time.
Summary of Wire Attachment
| Braces Type | How Wire is Secured |
|---|---|
| Traditional Braces | Rubber bands (ligatures) or wire ties |
| Self-Ligating Braces | Built-in clips on the bracket |
Regular adjustments involve changing the arch wire (often to a thicker, stronger wire as treatment progresses) and replacing the rubber bands or checking the clips to ensure the wire continues to apply the correct pressure.
