What is used to tie the arch wire onto orthodontic brackets?

• A. Elastic ties
• B. Ligature wire
• C. Buccal tubes
• D. Self-ligating brackets

Answer: (B)

Securing the arch wire to brackets is done with ligatures, which are thin stainless steel wires that wrap around the bracket wings and the archwire in the slot and are twisted tight to hold the wire in place. This ligature wire provides a precise, firm grip that keeps the wire seated and able to transmit orthodontic forces. Elastic ties exist as an alternative method using elastomeric material to grip the wire, but they are not the wire itself. Buccal tubes are parts of molar attachments for guiding the wire, not the tying mechanism. Self-ligating brackets use a built-in clip to hold the wire, so no separate ligature is needed.