What are the parts of braces?
Dr. Theo Mercer, a made-up host, answers this for kids on a sample page for orthodontists.
Dr. Theo Mercer Orthodontist
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Transcript
Hello, my name is Dr. Mercer. I'm an orthodontist.
What are the parts of braces?
Braces help move teeth to a straighter place in your mouth. Small pieces called brackets are put on the teeth. The brackets act like handles and hold a thin wire that connects them.
The thin wire is called an archwire, and it gently pushes on the brackets. This slow pushing is what helps the teeth move to a new spot. The wire is held on to the brackets in different ways. The wire fits into a little slot on each bracket. Sometimes, tiny clips on the bracket hold the wire in place.
An orthodontist is a dentist with extra training for moving teeth. At a visit, the orthodontist looks at how the braces are working. They also check to make sure your teeth and gums are healthy. They might take out the old wire and put in a new one.
Brackets can be made of metal, or they can be the same color as teeth. The orthodontist checks each bracket and the wire at every visit.
Thanks for watching!
Sources
- American Association of Orthodontists: How Do Braces Work? Navigating Orthodontic Treatment with Braces (opens in a new tab)
- American Association of Orthodontists: Orthodontic FAQs: Your Questions Answered (opens in a new tab)
- American Dental Association / MouthHealthy: Braces (opens in a new tab)
- American Association of Orthodontists: Living With Braces: The Brace-Faced Adventure (opens in a new tab)
- US Food and Drug Administration: Braces Have Changed: What to Know about Traditional Braces and Clear Aligner Options (opens in a new tab)
- Various sources