Showing posts with label Maryland braces. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Maryland braces. Show all posts

Sunday, March 20, 2011

Get to know your braces!

Should you need to call Rad Orthodontics in case you sustain any damage to your braces, we can help you more effectively if you can tell us exactly which piece is in trouble! Here’s a handy diagram and corresponding list of all the parts that make up your braces.



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's 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 don't 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 (rubber bands) are attached.

Elastic (Rubber Band): Small rubber band that is hooked between different points on the appliance to provide pressure to move the teeth.


--Dr. Rad

Tuesday, May 25, 2010

Dr. Mehdy Rad, bridging the gap between the myths and facts of braces

Trust us, Dr. Mehdy Rad and team know there are many, many myths about orthodontics flying around these days. You've probably heard about a few of them, but before you buy into those myths, we think think you should get the facts! We came across a great site that helps set the record straight (no pun intended). Our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists have some excellent information on the myths and facts of orthodontics. We encourage you to check them out today!

If you have any questions about orthodontics or your treatment here at Rad Orthodontics, feel free to give us a call at (301) 299-3993!