What metal is used in dental braces?
Braces can be made of many different types of materials, but they are most commonly made of titanium alloys, combined with nickel and/or chromium. Chromium-nickel-cobalt alloys are also prevalent. Sometimes precious metals are employed; the Incognito™ system uses gold as the only material for their brackets.
What are the components of braces called?
There are three main parts of braces: the brackets, the wire, and the ligature elastics that go around the brackets:
- Brackets – These are the small metal pieces that are bonded to each tooth center using special glue.
- Wire – This wire is actually known as the “archwire”.
What kind of wire is used for braces?
There are three main types of wires for braces: copper nickel-titanium, titanium-niobium, and stainless steel.
What does a heavier wire on braces do?
A thicker wire is stronger, which usually creates more movement in the teeth than a thinner wire. Arch wires are often switched out at your follow-up appointments to change the tension on the teeth.
What is the final wire for braces?
The final wire is the largest, stiffest, and has the ability to be bent. This wire allows for fine detailing through minor wire bends.
How many wires do you have for braces?
With the wide assortment of wires these days, your orthodontist may only need to use three to five sets of wires during treatment. More wires may be needed for complicated cases.
What does the first wire of braces do?
The initial wires used during your brace treatment are thin and gentle in order to achieve initial alignment and correct crowding and rotations (teeth which are crooked or twisted). It’s often during this phase of treatment where you will see the biggest changes in your smile.
What are the gold hooks on braces?
If your orthodontist tells you to wear rubber bands, make sure you do. Incognito braces are small gold brackets placed on the back of your teeth to hold a wire in place to straighten your teeth.
Why do some of my braces have hooks?
We use hooks to attach coil springs or elastics (rubber bands), which can help us adjust spacing issues or change the alignment of the jaws. Coil springs are devices that adjust spacing and crowding issues, and we can use them to push teeth apart or draw them together.
Does everyone get hooks on their braces?
Most orthodontists have hooks on the cuspid and molar brackets only. These hooks can be used for various attachments, like springs and rubber bands to help move the teeth. The majority of the time, these hooks are used for elastic rubber bands. Rubber bands can be used in many different configurations.
Is it normal for braces to cut your cheek?
Unfortunately, many patients experience braces cutting lips and cheeks.