1/10/2025

Knowledge is power

Emergencies happen, and we get that. Our office takes every precautionary measure to prevent them, but we all know sometimes dilemmas rear their ugly heads! If you ever have an issue with your braces and you need to call us Orthodontics Santa Clarita CA, we can be more effective in ameliorating the situation if we know exactly which piece is giving you trouble. Use this handy dandy diagram and the corresponding list to help identify your predicament. Your smile will thank you!

Elastic Tie– Tiny rubber band that fits around the bracket to hold the archwire in place.

Archwire– The main wire that acts as a track to guide the teeth along. It is changed periodically throughout treatment, as teeth move to their new positions.

Loop in Archwire– Frequently used for closing space left by an extraction. Many archwires do not have a loop.

Bracket– Small attachment that holds the archwire in place. Most often, a bracket is cemented directly onto the tooth’s surface, eliminating the need for a band.

Headgear Tube– Round, hollow attachment on the back bands. The inner bow of the headgear fits into it.

Coil Spring– Fits between brackets and over archwire to open space between teeth.

Tie Wire– Fine wire that is twisted around the bracket to hold the archwire in place.

Band– A thin ring of metal fitted around a tooth and cemented in place. The band provides a way to attach the brackets to the tooth.

Hook– Welded or removable arm to which elastics are attached.

Elastic– Small rubber band that is hooked between different points on the appliance to provide pressure to move the teeth.

We hope this helps! Please do not hesitate to give us a call if you have any questions!

2 Locations

Embrace your Smile Orthodontics
23206 Lyons Avenue, Suite 206, Santa Clarita, CA 91321
(661) 259-2388

Embrace your Smile Orthodontics
27891 Smyth Dr. Unit A. Valencia, CA 91355
(661) 295-8288

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Pass it on! A brighter, healthier smile starts with the right information.

Santa Clarita 
Orthodontic Office

23206 Lyons Avenue, Suite 206,
Santa Clarita, CA 91321
Get Directions(661) 259-2388

Valencia 
Orthodontic Office

27891 Smyth Dr. Unit A,
Valencia, CA 91355
Get Directions(661) 295-8288

Office Hours:

Monday* 7:40 AM — 5:00 PM
Tuesday** 7:40 AM — 5:00 PM
Wednesday* - 8:00 AM — 6:00 PM
Thursday* 7:40 AM — 5:00 PM
(1st and 3rd Thursday of the month Valencia is open 12pm-7pm and Newhall is open 8am-5pm)

Friday** 9:30 AM — 5:00 PM
Saturday - Closed
Sunday Closed
*Valencia Office Only
**Newhall Office Only

The information on this website is for general information purposes only. Nothing on this site should be taken as advice for any individual case or situation. This information is not intended to create, and receipt or viewing does not constitute client relationship.
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