Your new braces are putting you on the road to an awesome new smile! 
You’ve probably got some questions about orthodontic treatment. We are happy to answer all of them with our Braces Explained guide. The most important thing to remember is that orthodontic treatment is the way orthodontists straighten or move teeth to improve the appearance of the teeth and how they work. Orthodontics will help improve the long-term health of your teeth, gums and jaw because the treatment will slowly move your teeth and surrounding bone into the proper place for optimal alignment.
Braces Explained: What You Need To Know
Along with straightening your teeth, wearing braces means learning a new dental language. That way, you can communicate any concerns or issues with your orthodontist during your visits. Our Braces Explained guide breaks down the essential components of traditional metal or ceramic braces:
Spacers
These are temporary, small rubber bands that are used between the molars (the back teeth) to create space.
Brackets
Brackets are the small metal squares that are attached to the front and side of the teeth. They are usually made of metal and are bonded directly to the enamel with a special adhesive. Brackets will provide a track for your archwire.
Archwires
The archwire is the wire that connects all of the brackets and bands together. It is responsible for the actual alignment of the teeth. The archwire comes in different sizes and strengths. Orthodontists are experts at bending the archwire causing your teeth to move and align to their optimum positions. Archwires are generally changed with each appointment.
Bands
The thin metal rings that fit around the molars in the back of your mouth are called bands. They provide an attachment for the archwire and secure it, so your teeth are under the correct amount of pressure.
Elastics
There are two types of rubber bands or elastics that may be worn during braces:
- Ligatures: the tiny elastic bands that fit around your brackets that hold the archwire in the slot on the bracket. They come in a variety of colors you can choose from, and they will always be part of your braces. Ligatures are changed during each of your appointments.
- Rubber Bands: used to apply pressure to the jaw to correct the alignment of your bite and reduce overbite/underbite. The rubber bands are meant to be worn as directed by your orthodontist and directly correlate to the progress your teeth make while undergoing orthodontic treatment. Not wearing rubber bands will cause poor results and can lengthen the time you stay in your braces.
Retainers
The final step of your orthodontic journey is retention. After your braces are removed, your custom-made retainer keeps your teeth in their new, aligned positions. Trust us—wear your retainer to preserve your amazing results!
For a full breakdown of all the parts and phases, our Braces Explained series provides valuable information to help you feel confident during every step of the process. Whether you’re researching for yourself or a family member, understanding the key terms and what to expect makes treatment much easier to manage.
Understanding the Adjustment Period
When your braces are first placed, some discomfort is completely normal. That’s your mouth adjusting to the gentle pressure being applied. Soft foods and over-the-counter pain relievers can ease the transition. With time, you’ll hardly notice your braces as they quietly work their magic. Want tips on how to manage those first few weeks? Check out our Braces Explained comfort tips in our next post!
Protecting Your Braces During Treatment
Taking care of your braces is key to a smooth and successful treatment. Avoid hard or sticky foods that could damage your hardware. If you’re active in sports, wear a mouthguard to shield your braces and teeth. Small precautions now will save time and prevent setbacks later. Don’t forget—our Braces Explained section includes a full list of dos and don’ts during treatment.
Got more questions about your braces? Want your own Braces Explained consultation? Request a complimentary consultation online or call us at (360) 863-0303
