Small, elastic rings, often made of latex or non-latex materials, are placed around the brackets of orthodontic appliances to secure the archwire in place. These ligatures come in a wide variety of hues, offering patients a degree of personalization during their orthodontic treatment.
The ability to choose these colorful elastics allows for self-expression and can make wearing braces a more positive experience, particularly for younger patients. This customization can boost confidence and reduce the self-consciousness sometimes associated with orthodontic appliances. Historically, ligatures were primarily silver or clear, making the current range of options a relatively recent development that contributes to patient comfort and acceptance of treatment.