The following are the most commonly used terms in orthodontics. If you have any questions about orthodontics or would like to schedule an appointment, please contact our office.
A
- Anterior teeth: The upper and lower six front teeth on each arch.
- Appliance: Any orthodontic device that moves or retains teeth. Appliances may also alter the positioning of the jaw.
- Arch: The entire upper or lower jaw.
- Archwire: The metal wire that connects orthodontic brackets. This wire guides the teeth into their new alignment.
B
- Band with bracket: Metal bands (rings) that are generally cemented around the back teeth.
- Braces: Fixed orthodontic appliances designed to align teeth.
- Brackets: The tiny metal, ceramic, or clear brackets that are affixed to each individual tooth on the arch.
- Brushing: This is a crucial part of home dental care. Orthodontists recommend that those wearing braces brush after every meal and snack to eliminate bacteria and plaque.
- Buccal: The outer (cheek) side of posterior teeth in the lower and upper arches.
C
- Cephalometric radiograph: A side x-ray of the face and head used to show growth and development.
- Chain: Elastics connected together and placed around the brackets to stabilize the archwire and gently close spaces.
- Class I malocclusion: Molars are correctly aligned, but there is an anterior/posterior crossbite, an openbite, or overcrowding on the arches.
- Class II malocclusion: Also known as an overbite. The upper front teeth are positioned further forward than the lower teeth.
- Class III malocclusion: Also known as an underbite. The lower front teeth are positioned further forward than the upper front teeth.
- Closed bite: The upper front teeth completely overlap the bottom teeth, causing a deep overbite.
- Congenitally missing teeth: Some permanent teeth fail to develop and erupt due to genetic factors.
- Crossbite: A malocclusion in which the upper back teeth bite inside or outside the lower back teeth, or the lower front teeth bite in front of the upper front teeth.
D
- De-banding: The removal of orthodontic bands from the teeth.
- De-bonding: The removal of affixed orthodontic brackets from the teeth.
- Diagnostic records: Records used to assess, plan, and implement treatments. These records usually include medical and dental history, radiographs, panoramic radiographs, bite molds, and intraoral/extraoral photographs.
- Digital radiograph: Digital x-rays of the teeth, which can be viewed, stored, and transmitted via computer.
E
- Elastics: Some braces may require that elastic rubber bands be attached to exert additional pressure on an individual tooth or a group of teeth.
- Eruption: The way in which teeth surface through the gums inside the mouth.
F
- Fixed orthodontic appliances: Orthodontic appliances that are affixed to the teeth by the orthodontist and cannot be removed by the patient.
- Flossing: An essential part of home care that removes debris and plaque from above and below the gumline.
- Functional appliances: Orthodontic appliances that use the muscle movement created by swallowing, eating, and speaking to gently move and align the teeth and jaws.
G
- Gingiva: The gums and soft tissue around the teeth.
H
- Headgear: A removable appliance comprising a brace and external archwire. This device modifies growth and promotes tooth movement.
I
- Impressions: Teeth impressions are taken to allow the orthodontist to see exactly how a patient’s teeth fit together.
- Interceptive treatment: Treatment performed on children who have a mixture of adult and baby teeth. Early treatment can help reduce the need for major orthodontic treatment in the future.
- Invisalign: A newer, removable type of dental aligner that is completely transparent and doesn’t interfere with eating because it’s removable. Not all patients are candidates for Invisalign.
L
- Ligating modules: An elastic donut-shaped ring that helps secure the archwire to the bracket.
- Ligation: Securing the archwire to the brackets.
- Lingual side: The side of the teeth (in both arches) that is closest to the tongue.
M
- Malocclusion: Literally means “bad bite” in Latin, and refers to teeth that do not fit together correctly.
- Mandible: The lower jaw.
- Maxilla: The upper jaw.
- Mouthguard: A removable plastic or rubber device that protects teeth and braces from sporting injuries.
O
- Open bite: Upper and lower teeth fail to make contact with each other. This malocclusion is generally classified as anterior or posterior.
- Orthodontics: The unique branch of dentistry concerned with diagnosing, preventing, and correcting malocclusions and jaw irregularities.
- Orthodontist: A dental specialist who prevents, diagnoses, and treats jaw irregularities and malocclusions. Orthodontists must complete two or three additional years of college after dental school and complete a residency program.
P
- Palatal expander: A removable or fixed device designed to expand the palate in order to create room on either the upper or lower arch.
- Panoramic radiograph: An extraoral (external) x-ray that shows the teeth and jaws.
- Plaque: The sticky film of saliva, food particles, and bacteria that contributes to gum disease and tooth decay.
- Posterior teeth: Back teeth.
R
- Removable appliance: An orthodontic brace or device that the patient can remove at will. It must be worn for the designated amount of time each day to be effective.
S
- Separators: A wire loop or elastic ring placed between the teeth to create room for the subsequent placement of bands or an orthodontic appliance.
- Space maintainer: A fixed appliance used to hold space for a permanent (adult) tooth. This is usually used when a baby tooth has been lost earlier than anticipated.
W
- Wax: Orthodontic relief wax is a home-care remedy used to alleviate irritation caused by braces.
- Wires: Attached to the brackets to gently move the teeth into proper alignment.