Orthodontic Assistant Practice Exam

What is the term for the attachment that secures the archwire to the bands?

1. Bracket

2. Band

3. Ligature

4. Archwire

The correct answer is: Bracket

The attachment that secures the archwire to the bands is referred to as a bracket. Brackets are small devices that are bonded to the teeth and hold the archwire in place, allowing for the alignment and movement of the teeth over time. They serve as a key component in orthodontic appliances, as they connect the archwire, which guides tooth movement, to the bands that fit around the molars or premolars. Brackets can be made from various materials, including metal and ceramic, and they come in different types, such as self-ligating or conventional. Their primary role is to provide an anchor point for the archwire, ensuring that the applied forces correctly move the teeth into the desired positions during the orthodontic treatment process. On the other hand, the terms band, ligature, and archwire refer to other components of the orthodontic system. Bands are metal rings that are cemented to the teeth, usually on the molars, while ligatures are small rubber bands or wires that hold the archwire within the brackets. The archwire itself is the metal wire that connects all the brackets and helps guide tooth movement but does not secure itself to the bands directly.