Braces Ballina Braces
Achieve a straighter, healthier smile with braces
15+ Years
Experience
5000+
Happy Patients
Orthodontics
Achieve a straighter, healthier smile with braces
15+ Years
Experience
5000+
Happy Patients
Learn the different parts that make up your braces so that when your orthodontist is explaining how things work, you will understand.
Braces are made up of several components. The glossary below explains the different components and what their purpose is:
The small stainless steel squares or ceramic squares (tooth-coloured) are glued with a light adhesive to the front and side teeth. They are holders for the main wire that applies pressure to the teeth.
Thin metal rings that fit over the molars and are bonded in place. They usually have welded tubes where the wire or headgear can be slotted.
The main wires that slot into the brackets. You will usually have two archwires (Upper and lower).
Come in different metals and sizes for various treatment stages. Early stages use NASA-developed heat activated wire that becomes stiff with mouth heat, gradually moving teeth to the original horseshoe shape.
Small coloured elastic rings like miniature rubber bands that are stretched around the brackets to hold the wire in place.
Fine stainless steel wires that are tied to the four corners of the bracket to hold the archwire in place.
Hooks are used to attach the modules and provide anchor points for various orthodontic accessories.
A power chain is a link of modules that stretch over a group of teeth to close the gaps between them effectively.
Stainless steel coils that fit over the wire and in the open space between teeth to create or maintain spacing during treatment.
Understanding these components helps you communicate better with your orthodontist and take better care of your braces during treatment.
Ever wondered how a mouthful of metal can fix your teeth?
Braces apply constant pressure over a period of time to slowly move teeth in a specific direction. As the teeth move, the bone changes shape as pressure is applied.
For any questions regarding how braces work or fitted, contact your local clinic on 1300 2 Braces.
Modern braces don't have to be dull and boring.
Stainless steel braces are a familiar sight amongst children and teens, but why opt for stock, standard braces when you can go wild with a splash of colour. The colours can be changed every time you have an adjustment. You may want to have every colour of the rainbow, red for Valentine's month or your celebrity crush's favourite colour.
If you are looking for braces that won't draw attention to the fact you're undergoing orthodontic work, ceramic braces, also referred to as clear braces, provide a more natural look almost camouflaged by your teeth. These braces are ideal for adults who want their teeth straightened with the comfort of braces that blend in with the natural colour of their teeth.
Contact your local clinic on 1300 2 Braces for more information.
Book ConsultationCaring for your teeth and your braces during orthodontic work is extremely important.
Teeth and braces are a haven for bacteria after eating. If you don't brush and floss regularly during your treatment, your teeth will be left with white marks and decay as well as swollen and bleeding gums. For this reason, it is important you clean your braces and teeth straight after every meal, every drink, every snack.
Just because you are under the care of an orthodontist doesn't mean you are not required to visit your local dentist. Every 6 months you should be scheduling an appointment your usual dentist for a check-up and thorough cleaning.
Our toothpaste of choice is Colgate Total, due to the antibacterial ingredient.
Clean your braces first. Angle your toothbrush down on to your braces and apply light pressure so the bristles are between the wire and the teeth. Use small circles, spending approximately 10 seconds on each tooth. Do this for all teeth and then repeat the process for the lower teeth. To clean the area between your braces and gums, angle the brush towards the gums using a circular motion. After this clean the insides of your teeth. Rinse with water and then inspect your braces for food in the mirror. Your braces should be sparkling.
Flossing takes care of the areas between your teeth, where your toothbrush can't reach. This needs to be done at least once a day. It's best to do this right after dinner, instead of bedtime when you are tired and can't really be bothered doing a thorough job.
We recommend Oral-B SuperFloss for braces. It comes in pre-cut strands. No more wrestling with trying to snap it off.
Insert the floss under the wire and use both hands to manoeuvre it properly around the wires.
Contact your local clinic on 1300 2 Braces for personalized advice.
Caring for your teeth and your braces during orthodontic work is extremely important.
Teeth and braces are a haven for bacteria after eating. If you don't brush and floss regularly during your treatment, your teeth will be left with white marks and decay as well as swollen and bleeding gums. For this reason, it is important you clean your braces and teeth straight after every meal, every drink, every snack.
Just because you are under the care of an orthodontist doesn't mean you are not required to visit your local dentist. Every 6 months you should be scheduling an appointment your usual dentist for a check-up and thorough cleaning.
Our toothpaste of choice is Colgate Total, due to the antibacterial ingredient.
Clean your braces first. Angle your toothbrush down on to your braces and apply light pressure so the bristles are between the wire and the teeth. Use small circles, spending approximately 10 seconds on each tooth. Do this for all teeth and then repeat the process for the lower teeth. To clean the area between your braces and gums, angle the brush towards the gums using a circular motion. After this clean the insides of your teeth. Rinse with water and then inspect your braces for food in the mirror. Your braces should be sparkling.
Flossing takes care of the areas between your teeth, where your toothbrush can't reach. This needs to be done at least once a day. It's best to do this right after dinner, instead of bedtime when you are tired and can't really be bothered doing a thorough job.
We recommend Oral-B SuperFloss for braces. It comes in pre-cut strands. No more wrestling with trying to snap it off.
Insert the floss under the wire and use both hands to manoeuvre it properly around the wires.
Contact your local clinic on 1300 2 Braces for personalized advice.
Caring for your teeth and your braces during orthodontic work is extremely important.
Teeth and braces are a haven for bacteria after eating. If you don't brush and floss regularly during your treatment, your teeth will be left with white marks and decay as well as swollen and bleeding gums. For this reason, it is important you clean your braces and teeth straight after every meal, every drink, every snack.
Just because you are under the care of an orthodontist doesn't mean you are not required to visit your local dentist. Every 6 months you should be scheduling an appointment your usual dentist for a check-up and thorough cleaning.
Our toothpaste of choice is Colgate Total, due to the antibacterial ingredient.
Clean your braces first. Angle your toothbrush down on to your braces and apply light pressure so the bristles are between the wire and the teeth. Use small circles, spending approximately 10 seconds on each tooth. Do this for all teeth and then repeat the process for the lower teeth. To clean the area between your braces and gums, angle the brush towards the gums using a circular motion. After this clean the insides of your teeth. Rinse with water and then inspect your braces for food in the mirror. Your braces should be sparkling.
Flossing takes care of the areas between your teeth, where your toothbrush can't reach. This needs to be done at least once a day. It's best to do this right after dinner, instead of bedtime when you are tired and can't really be bothered doing a thorough job.
We recommend Oral-B SuperFloss for braces. It comes in pre-cut strands. No more wrestling with trying to snap it off.
Insert the floss under the wire and use both hands to manoeuvre it properly around the wires.
Contact your local clinic on 1300 2 Braces for personalized advice.
Braces are only bonded with a light adhesive so once your treatment finishes they can be removed without damaging your teeth. Eating the wrong foods could result in damage to your braces.
Toffees, hard boiled lollies, caramel, chewy sweets—can loosen bands, break brackets and cause wires to come loose.
Indulging in these treats may cause damage to your braces and extend the length of your treatment.
High sugar or acid foods turn into plaque that creates bacteria and toxins that are detrimental to gums. Brush your teeth immediately afterwards before the bacteria has a chance to turn it into acids and toxins.
Acidic food can erode tooth enamel and should be avoided.
Avoid chewing on fingernails, office stationary and ice block sticks. Sometimes we are all guilty of using our teeth for inappropriate activities like ripping open plastic bags, opening bobby pins and tearing sticky tape—these habits could break your braces.
If it's too hard, too chewy or not made to be eaten, don't put it in your mouth.
If you break your braces, you may need to know some first aid methods.
If you experience problems between regular check-ups, many of the problems can be easily fixed with do-it-yourself fixes. For more urgent problems such as loose or broken wires, loose brackets or bands, book an emergency appointment.
This is complete normal after your braces have been fitted or you've undergone an adjustment. The initial discomfort can last for up to a week.
This is quite normal during the first weeks of treatment.
If it's annoying, use orthodontic wax on your brackets.
Call your orthodontist immediately.
For urgent problems such as loose or broken wires, loose brackets or bands, book an emergency appointment.
Call 1300 2 BRACES
Ready to transform your smile with braces? Contact us today to schedule your free consultation and take the first step toward a more confident you.
105 Tamar Street
Ballina, NSW 2478
Australia
Monday - Friday: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday & Sunday: Closed