Orthodontic Accessories

1. Ligature Wire / Elastic Ligature

Use: To secure and fix the archwire inside the bracket slot.
Types:

• Wire ligature: Stronger and less prone to discoloration.

• Elastic ligature: Available in various colors, commonly used in fixed orthodontics.

2. Crimpable Hook

Use: A small metal hook that is crimped onto the archwire.
Role: Used for attaching elastics or elastic chains to apply specific traction forces to the teeth.

3. Coil Spring

Use: A helical spring placed on the archwire between brackets.
Types:

• Open coil: Creates space between teeth (for implants or brackets).

• Closed coil: Closes or maintains spaces between teeth.

4. Retainer

Use: Applied after orthodontic treatment to prevent relapse.
Types:

• Removable (Hawley / Essix)

• Fixed retainer: Bonded wire on the lingual surface of teeth.

5. Face Bow / Headgear

Use: An extraoral device to control the growth of the maxilla or move molars.
Role: Mostly applied in adolescents with skeletal growth discrepancies.

6. Ball Hook

Use: A small spherical hook placed on the archwire or incorporated into brackets.
Role: For attaching elastics or elastic chains to apply specific forces.

7. Lingual Button

Use: A small metallic/ceramic button bonded to the lingual surface of a tooth.
Role: For attaching elastics, space closure, or correcting tooth rotation.

8. Mini Implant (TAD - Temporary Anchorage Device)

Use: Small titanium screws temporarily inserted into the jawbone.
Role: Provides absolute anchorage for controlled tooth movement (e.g., retraction/protraction without affecting other teeth).

9. Interproximal Strip

Use: A thin diamond-coated/abrasive strip used for IPR (Interproximal Reduction).
Role: Creates space and reduces crowding in orthodontic treatment.

10. Mandrel

Use: A small metallic rod for attaching diamond discs or polishing wheels (used for IPR or finishing procedures).

11. Face Mask / Reverse Pull Headgear

Use: An extraoral appliance for protracting the maxilla in patients with Class III skeletal malocclusion (prognathic mandible).
Role: Mainly used in growing children.

🔹 Other Important Orthodontic Accessories

• Elastic Chain: Used to close spaces between teeth.

• Power Arm: Transfers forces from the archwire closer to the center of resistance of teeth.

• Bite Turbos: Prevents bite interferences and helps open deep bites.

• Separators: Small elastics used to create space between molars for band placement.