Brackets are "handles" which are bonded to the outside surface of teeth. Silver brackets are the most common type, but clear brackets are also available. Self-ligating brackets have a mechanism which locks the bracket to the archwire without the need for modules or tie-wires.

Archwires deliver the force to move teeth.

Ligatures are tiny rubber rings or fine twisted wires used to tie the archwire to each bracket (not self ligating brackets). The rubber rings are usually grey, but coloured ligatures have become popular.

Bands are flat metal rings cemented around a tooth to provide a stronger means of attaching a bracket (or any other type of fitting). If required, these are only placed on the back teeth.