Glossary Of Terms

1. Brackets
2. Ligating and self-ligating brackets

Brackets

The individual attachment on each tooth that the wire is connected to.

Ligating and self-ligating brackets

There are two main designs of brackets – ligating and self-ligating. The difference between these is how the wire is connected to the brackets. In self-ligating braces, the wire is held in by a gate-like mechanism that opens and closes around the wire. In ligating braces, the wire is ‘tied’ into the brackets by a small elastic ring.