Glossary
archwire
A wire engaged in orthodontic attachments, affixed to the crowns of two or more teeth and capable of causing or guiding tooth movement.
band (orthodontic)
A thin metal ring, usually stainless steel, which serves to secure orthodontic attachments to a tooth. The band, with orthodontic attachments welded or soldered to it, is closely adapted to fit the contours of the tooth and then cemented into place.
bracket (brace)
An orthodontic attachment that is secured to a tooth (either by bonding or banding) for the purpose of engaging an archwire. Brackets can be fabricated from metal, ceramic or plastic.
ceramic brackets
Crystalline, alumina, tooth-shade or clear synthetic sapphire brackets that are aesthetically more attractive than conventional metal attachments.
crowding
Dental malalignment caused by inadequate space for the teeth.
debanding
The removal of cemented orthodontic bands.
elastics (rubber bands)
Used to move teeth in prescribed direction (commonly connected to molar bands and bracket hooks). Found in numerous colors for better appearance.
expander (spreader, RPE or rapid palatal expander)
An appliance that is used to enlarge a jaw by reshaping the bone of the jaw.
gingiva
The gums that surround the teeth.
headgear
Generic term for treatment where the patient’s entire head is utilized to make profound changes in their smile. If used, it is only worn at night.
Herbst appliance
Fixed or removable appliance designed commonly for overbite problems and more.
lingual
Of or pertaining to the tongue. A term used to describe surfaces and directions toward the tongue.
lingual appliances
Orthodontic appliances fixed to the lingual surface of the teeth.
mandibular
Of or pertaining to the lower jaw. May be used to describe teeth, dental restorations, orthodontic appliances or facial structures.
maxillary
Of or pertaining to the upper jaw. May be used to describe teeth, dental restorations, orthodontic appliances or facial structures.
orthodontist
A dentist who has been chosen to complete advanced post-doctoral course, accredited by the American Dental Association, of at least two academic years in the special area of orthodontics. Every orthodontist is already a dentist and has chosen to continue their education and specialize in orthodontic treatment. There are dentists who provide orthodontic treatment but they are not orthodontists.
orthognathic surgery
Surgery to alter relationships of teeth and/or supporting bones, usually accomplished in conjunction with orthodontic therapy.
overbite
Vertical overlapping of upper teeth over the lower teeth. Greater overbite means there is less of the lower teeth showing.
overjet
Horizontal overlapping of the upper teeth over the lower teeth. Greater overjet means the upper teeth protrude, or stick out, further.
powerchain
A long rubberband that is used to connect the archwires to the braces while also closing the spaces between the teeth. They come in colors and may look like a superhero mask stretched across the braces.
radiograph (panoramic film, cephalometric film)
A permanent image, typically on film, produced by ionizing radiation. Sometimes called an X-ray after the most common source of image-producing radiation.
retainer
Any orthodontic appliance, fixed or removable, used to maintain the position of the teeth following corrective treatment.
retention
The passive treatment period following active orthodontic correction during which retaining appliances may be used.
straight wire appliance
A variation of the edgewise appliance in which brackets are angulated to minimize multiple archwire bends. Brackets and molar tubes have specific orientation in three planes of space.
ties
Small rubberbands used to connect the archwires to the braces. These are changed at each visit and come in many colors. These give every patient’s braces their distinctive colors.
