| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| ID | OA-0192 |
| Type | component |
| Category | component |
| Fixed/removable | fixed (crimped to archwire or integral to bracket) |
| Primary function | elastic attachment point on archwire or bracket |
| Uses TADs | no |
Orthodontic hooks are small metal projections that provide an attachment point for interarch elastics, power chains, and other elastic mechanics. Types: (1) crimpable hooks — SS tube crimped onto the archwire between teeth; (2) bracket-integrated hooks — some bracket prescriptions include a hook on certain teeth (e.g., upper canine, lower cuspid) as a standard feature; (3) auxiliary wire hooks — bent into the archwire. Hooks are most commonly placed on the upper canines and lower premolars for Class II elastic wear (from upper anterior hook to lower posterior hook). Also used for retraction (from hook to a TAD or power chain).
Hooks provide the attachment point for interarch elastics, Class II or III correction auxiliaries, and TAD ligatures. Without hooks, elastic force cannot be applied to the archwire or bracket — making hooks an essential auxiliary for any case involving intermaxillary mechanics.
Manufacturer-welded hooks: Built into the bracket design at specific positions (typically canines and first molars in standard prescriptions). Position is fixed by the bracket design.
Soldered/bonded hooks on archwires: Small stainless steel hooks crimped or soldered onto the archwire at any position the clinician chooses, allowing customized elastic vector without relying on bracket-integrated hooks.
Laceback hooks: Placed on the archwire distal to the canine bracket; used to tie the archwire back to the molar tube, preventing anterior proclination during initial alignment.
TAD hooks / cleats: Small titanium hooks placed on the archwire or ligated to a TAD for direct elastic or spring attachment to skeletal anchorage.
Hook position determines the vector of elastic force and the resulting tooth movement. An elastic from upper canine hook to lower first molar hook creates a Class II force vector: distal force on upper canine and mesial force on lower molar with a vertical component that extrudes both. Modifying hook height on the archwire changes the vertical component. Clinicians troubleshooting open bite or deep bite often adjust elastic hooks before changing elastic size.
Sharp hook ends are a frequent source of mucosal irritation. Sliding hooks (not fully crimped) can shift along the archwire, changing the elastic vector unpredictably. Over-activation of elastics on hooks can deform light NiTi archwires.
No lab fabrication for crimpable hooks (placed chairside). Hooks are sometimes incorporated into lab-fabricated appliances (e.g., upper Hawley retainer with Class II hook positioning).
Appliances that incorporate this component. ★ = fabricated by Clear Fusion Lab.
elastics (attachment point)
elastics (attachment point)
elastic
brackets; universal placement anywhere on arch
tie-wings during manufacturing
vector angles
positioning
palatal surface serves hook function for non-labial elastic attachment
Guide](https://www.3m.com/orthodontics)
JCO](https://www.jco-online.com)
Orthodontics 6th ed.](https://www.elsevier.com)