What type of attachment is welded to bands or bonded to teeth during orthodontic treatment?

The correct answer is the bracket, which is a crucial component in orthodontic treatment. Brackets are attached to the teeth, either by bonding materials or by welding them to orthodontic bands, depending on the specific treatment plan. Their primary function is to hold the arch wire in place, which guides the movement of teeth into their desired positions over time.

Brackets can be made from various materials, including metal, ceramic, or plastic, allowing for aesthetic preferences and functional needs. They are designed to create a controlled amount of pressure, facilitating gradual tooth movement and aligning dental occlusion.

In contrast, elastic materials, arch wires, and separators serve different roles in orthodontic treatment. Elastic materials, for example, are typically used to apply additional force to the brackets and teeth, but they are not directly attached to the teeth themselves. Arch wires, on the other hand, connect brackets and guide tooth movement, but again, they do not attach directly to the teeth. Separators are placed between teeth to create space for bands but do not serve the same functional purpose as brackets in directly guiding tooth alignment.