What is used to close spaces between teeth?

Prepare for the Minnesota Dental Assisting Licensure Exam. Study with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question offers hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam success!

Elastic chains are specifically designed to close spaces between teeth during orthodontic treatment. These chains are made of interconnected elastic links that can be placed in conjunction with brackets and archwires. When tension is applied via the elastic chain, it helps to bring the teeth closer together by encouraging movement in a controlled manner, effectively closing gaps or spaces.

In orthodontics, the use of elastic chains is critical for achieving precise tooth movement. They can help in various scenarios, such as correcting spacing issues or aligning teeth properly within the dental arch. Their flexibility and ease of application make them a preferred choice among orthodontists for adjusting spacing in treatment plans.

Other options like orthodontic bands, wire ligatures, and brackets serve different functions in an orthodontic setup. Orthodontic bands are typically used to anchor the archwire and provide a stable point for tooth movement, but they do not directly close spaces. Wire ligatures help keep the archwires secured to brackets but also do not actively close spaces. Brackets serve as the attachment points for archwires and ligatures, allowing for the controlled movement of teeth but are not meant for closing spaces on their own.

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