The wire plays a big part in controlling how your teeth move, so those elastics have an important job to do. These are also known as ‘ligatures' or ‘o-rings'. Tiny elastic bands are placed on each of the metal brackets to hold the archwire in place. Ligatures hold the wire in place on each bracket There are two main kinds of orthodontic elastics used in braces, each serving its own purpose. Self-ligating braces are only available with private dental treatment. Self-ligating braces (like Damon braces) have a different style of bracket which lets the wire move automatically, so no elastics are needed to keep the wire in place. There is one type of metal brace which doesn't use coloured bands. You might have access to more exciting colour options as a private patient, too. There is also the option of clear braces or ceramic braces which work in the same way as traditional braces but are much less obvious.Įven if you or your child are not deemed eligible for NHS braces, you'll probably find fixed metal braces are still the cheapest option with a private dentist. You might consider removable invisible braces or hidden lingual braces if you want to have straighter teeth without brackets fixed to the front of your teeth.