Braces connect through a system of components attached to the teeth and linked together.
Braces connect primarily through a few key mechanisms that link the individual parts to the teeth and to each other, facilitating the movement needed for alignment.
How Braces Components Connect
Understanding how braces connect involves looking at the bond to the tooth and the links between the brace parts themselves:
- Bracket to Tooth: The foundation of the connection is how the brace bracket attaches to the tooth surface. This is achieved using bonding material (glue). This adhesive is specially designed for orthodontic use and creates a strong, reliable bond to hold the bracket securely in place throughout the treatment period.
- Bracket to Bracket: The brackets, once bonded to the teeth, are connected to each other by a thin metal archwire. This archwire runs through a slot in each bracket. The archwire acts as the primary force generator, putting continuous pressure on the teeth to guide them into their desired positions.
- Bracket to Archwire: To secure the archwire within the bracket slot, small ties are used. These are known as ligature elastics or “o-rings”. These are the small, coloured ties that connect the brackets to the arch wire. They hold the wire firmly in the bracket, allowing the forces from the wire to be transmitted effectively to the tooth. These elastics are typically changed at each orthodontic visit.
Here's a simple breakdown of the connections described:
| Component 1 | Connection Method | Component 2 | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bracket | Bonding Material (Glue) | Tooth | Secure attachment to the tooth surface |
| Bracket | Ligature Elastics ("o-rings") | Archwire | Secure the wire in the bracket slot |
| Bracket (via slot) | Archwire | Adjacent Bracket | Connects brackets to apply overall force |
In summary, the connection system of braces relies on a strong bond to the tooth surface via bonding material, and then links the individual brackets together using a metal archwire, with the wire held in place by ligature elastics.
