tubular structure on archwire

[jules-hart]

I have had damon clears for about 3 months. A week ago one of my brackets came off of my rear molar so I went to my ortho and had it rebonded. Then a few days ago my bridge came loose so I went to my dentist and had it recemented. My dentist didn't take my wire out comepletely, she just cut the wire where it went into the bracket on the bridge. She said she was going to contact my ortho and let him know that she disconnected. Today I was brushing my teeth and I noticed a small metal tube on my archwire in between two front teeth. Its not a spring and I cant figure out what it is. Neither my dentist or ortho are open until monday. Any ideas?

[jules-hart]

Maybe its the same as the metal piece on these braces, top front teeth

[Sunny]

These 'stops' are often used during the early phases of orthodontics to prevent the archwire from 'sliding' too far from where it needs to be. This is the stage when the most work is being done to align teeth and the archwires need to be flexible, while it still needs to be kept where it will do the best job.

Good luck with your treatment!

[jules-hart]

Okay, thanks. I was just worried that something was amiss

[catgyrl]

Yep, that's what those "stops" are for. I have two on the top and one on the bottom . My bottom one is a bit lose and slides around a bit, but hasn't fallen off yet.

[wiredmouth]

I'm so happy I found these braces forums! and Sunny you responses are awesome! I have that metal 'thing' in between my two front teeth as well. I'm not sure how to post a pic here but I've created a google blog where I have pics. here's the link:

A Journey With Orthodontics: story of a young man waiting to smile