Braces are made of
Fixed braces use brackets, an archwire, and small retaining components made from metals, ceramics, or polymers.
The short answer
Fixed braces use brackets, an archwire, and small retaining components made from metals, ceramics, or polymers. The brackets attach to the teeth, while the archwire provides controlled forces that guide tooth movement.
What is the direct answer?
What does this question mean?
Traditional metal braces commonly use stainless-steel brackets and wires. Ceramic or sapphire-like brackets can be tooth-colored or translucent, and elastic modules, metal ligatures, tubes, hooks, springs, and elastics may be added for particular tooth movements or bite corrections.
What can you do next?
Ask the orthodontist which appliance matches your bite and cleaning ability, then use an interproximal brush or other recommended tools around each bracket. Avoid hard or sticky foods that can bend the wire or detach a bracket.
When should you seek dental care?
Contact the orthodontic team for a loose bracket, protruding wire, broken band, persistent rubbing, or pain that does not settle after an adjustment. Seek urgent care for facial injury, major swelling, or trouble breathing or swallowing.
What should you ask the dentist?
Ask whether metal, ceramic, or another appliance is appropriate, how each affects cleaning, and whether any brackets contain materials relevant to your allergies. Ask what to do if a component breaks and what retainer will follow treatment.
Frequently asked questions
Are braces made from nickel?
Some metal orthodontic components contain nickel alloys, so tell the orthodontist about a known metal allergy before treatment.
What are clear braces made of?
Clear braces commonly use ceramic or another translucent bracket material with a metal or coated archwire.