• Columbia Orthodontics Won’t Let You Stay Intiminated

  • Our staff isn't intimidating.

    Our staff isn’t intimidating.

    Some individuals coming in to Columbia Orthodontics and feel a little intimidated and nervous. We guarantee you, this feeling won’t last long. We have a friendly group. We help to help you feel more at ease by explaining exactly what we are doing and what is happening.

    Let’s talk about some of the parts of the braces:

    • Elastic Tie — These are very small rubber band that will hold the archwire in place.
    • Archwire — This is the main part of the braces. It is a wire guide that tracks the teeth. The wire may be moved during treatment to continue straightening your teeth.
    • Loop in Archwire — This is not in all braces. If it is used, it is to close a gap left from a tooth extraction.
    • Bracket — This piece of equipment holds the archwire in place.
    • Headgear Tube — This is a hollow area near the back bands, which allows the headgear to fit into the braces. This is only used on patients who require headgear.
    • Coil Spring — If needed, this would fit between a bracket and the main archwire. Its purpose is to open up the space between the teeth. This is not necessarily used on all patients.
    • Tie Wire — This is another piece of equipment that is used to keep the archwire in place.
    • Band — This is a metal band that fits completely around a tooth. It is used to help adhere brackets to the tooth.
    • Hook — This is the piece of equipment that is used to attach the elastics, also known as rubber bands, around the bracket.
    • Elastic — These elastics are used to connect one point of the appliance to another. The purpose is to apply pressure, and encourage the teeth to move into the proper positioning.

    croft partyFor any questions you have about braces and the benefits of having braces call us at Columbia Orthodontics. 360 883-3800.

    Go here to learn more about our services.