Glossary

appliance
In orthodontics, any device used to influence the growth or position of teeth.

arch
Collectively, the teeth and bone of either jaw.

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
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.

crib or tongue guard
An appliance that fits in the roof of the mouth to help a child stop a finger or thumb sucking habit or to help inhibit a tongue thrust.

crossbite
An abnormal relationship of a tooth or teeth to the opposing teeth, in which the normal overlap of these teeth is reversed.

crowding
Dental malalignment caused by inadequate space for the teeth.

debanding
The removal of cemented orthodontic bands.

debonding
The removal of the brackets and the adhesive with which they were attached from your teeth.

elastics (rubber bands)
Used to move teeth in prescribed directions. If needed, instructions will be given as to how to wear them and how often. This is where the patient’s involvement is extremely important, as it is up to him or her to take them on and off.

gingiva
The tissue that surrounds the teeth, consisting of a fibrous tissue that is continuous with the periodontal ligament and mucosal covering.

headgear
Generic term for extraoral traction (attached around the back side of the head) for growth modification, tooth movement and anchorage. Very infrequently used in this office.

imaging
The process of acquiring representations of structures in either two or three dimensions.

ligature
A tie used to secure individual teeth to an orthodontic archwire, typically made of wire or elastic material.

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 dental specialist who has completed an advanced post-doctoral course, accredited by the American Dental Association, of at least two academic years in the special area of orthodontics.

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 lower teeth, usually measured perpendicular to the occlusal plane.

overjet
Horizontal projection of the upper teeth beyond the lower teeth, usually measured parallel to the occlusal plane. It typically is measured from the labial surface of the lower front teeth to the labial surface of the upper front teeth.

radiograph
A permanent image, performed digitally in our office, 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.

separator or spacer
An elastic O-ring that is placed between two back teeth. It is used to separate these teeth or to create a small space between them so that orthodontic metal bands can be placed. Generally, a separator or spacer is left in place for at least a week so that the space can be generated.

space maintainer
A prosthetic replacement for prematurely lost deciduous (or baby) teeth intended to prevent closure of the space before the eruption of the permanent successors. Often an urgent necessity in the buccal segment (or back teeth) to prevent impaction of the permanent teeth and other complications. A space maintainer can also be used to help prevent the teeth from becoming more crowded as the last few permanent teeth erupt into the mouth.

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.

temporary anchorage device or TAD
A metal screw or plate that is attached directly to the bone of the upper jaw or lower jaw. It is used as an absolute anchor to help in moving a tooth or a group of teeth in one direction without moving or affecting adjacent teeth. It sometimes can be used to eliminate the need for headgear, rubber band wear and possibly even jaw surgery. The screw is removed once the necessary tooth movements have been achieved.