What is a bracket?

A bracket is the square attachment cemented to your tooth that holds the wire. The brackets are the "handles" that the wires hold on to in order for your teeth to move.

What is a band?

A band is the round metal attachment that is usually located on your molars. Bands go around the entire tooth, like a "ring" that you wear on your finger. These are used in place of brackets to move molars.

Why do brackets or bands become loose?

It can happen several ways. It can happen if improper foods are eaten, such as hard or chewy foods. It can happen if you are not watching how you are eating, such as not taking smaller bites. Foods need to be cut up into bite size pieces.

When can the brackets or bands become loose?

It can happen the moment you eat the wrong food, or several days later. Eating the wrong foods may not cause the bracket to come unattached to the tooth that day, but it can loosen the cement and come loose days later when you are doing nothing. It is important that you check every day for loose brackets or bands.

What do I do if a bracket or band is loose or off?

It is extremely important that you call us when the bracket/band becomes loose. Do not wait until the next appointment to let us know something is loose. We need to have enough time to rebond the bracket/band. Call us even if your appointment is the next day. These appointments are generally scheduled between 9am and 12:30pm due to available Dr. time. When brackets or bands are not attached to your teeth, this means your teeth will stop moving or will move back to a previous position. If this happens, it will possibly extend your treatment time. If you call us as soon as it happens, extended treatment time and tooth movement can be lessened.