Braces were previously made of thick bands of steel that were wrapped and cemented around the teeth. Advances in modern dentistry now allow orthodontists to use smaller brackets in place of the thick bands, at least on the front teeth. Metal bands are still frequently used on back teeth, but they are smaller and lighter than earlier versions.

Most often, the brackets used in contemporary braces are made out of stainless steel. Patients may prefer ceramic or plastic brackets for cosmetic reasons, but these materials have significant drawbacks compared to stainless steel. Plastic brackets sometimes stain or discolor over the course of treatment, while both plastic and ceramic braces tend to create more friction between the brackets and connecting wires. This can increase a patient’s treatment time. Research is ongoing in the development of more effective, cosmetically pleasing brackets.

Thin connecting wires, known as arch wires, are used to pull the teeth into position. They are thinner and more effective than wires used in the past. Arch wires may be made of stainless steel or alloys (mixtures) of nickel, titanium, copper and cobalt.