GLOSSARY

Useful Information on Orthodontic Procedures and Appliances

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  • Appliance - Anything that is attached to your teeth that moves your teeth or corrects your bite
  • Archwire - A wire engaged in orthodontic attachments, affixed to the crowns of two or more teeth and guides the direction of tooth movement
  • Band (orthodontic) - A thin metal ring, usually stainless steel, which serves to secure orthodontic attachments to a tooth. The band is closely adapted to fit the contours of the tooth and then cemented into place
  • Bracket - An orthodontic attachment made of metal, ceramic, or plastic that holds the archwire against each tooth. The archwire fits into a slot in the bracket. Brackets may be attached directly to each tooth or to a band
  • Ceramic brackets - Crystalline, alumina, tooth-shade or clear synthetic sapphire brackets that are aesthetically more attractive than conventional metal attachments
  • Chain - An elastic chain that is used to hold the archwires onto the brackets
  • Coil spring - The coil spring fits between brackets and over the archwire
  • Debonding - The removal of cemented orthodontic appliances
  • Elastics (rubber bands) - A tiny rubber ring that ties the archwire into the bracket. Found in numerous colors for better appearance
  • Fixed retainer - A permanent retainer that is bonded to the back side of the front teeth to keep the teeth from shifting from their new position
  • Habit appliance - An appliance designed to deter thumb or finger sucking habits
  • Headgear - Generic term for extraoral traction (attached around the back side of the head) for growth modification, tooth movement, and anchorage
  • Impressions - An imprint or mold of the teeth used to design an orthodontic treatment plan
  • Interceptive treatment - Interceptive treatment, also known as early treatment, is limited orthodontic treatment usually performed between the age of 7 and 10. This phase of treatment can potentially make future orthodontic treatment faster and less invasive
  • Lingual appliances - Orthodontic appliances fixed to the interior (tongue) side of teeth
  • Maxillary - Of or pertaining to the upper jaw. May be used to describe teeth, dental restorations, orthodontic appliances, or facial structures
  • Mouthguard - A mouthpiece that is tailored to provide protection to the braces and teeth while the patient is playing a sport
  • Palatal expander - Attached to the upper molars through bonding or by cemented bands, the palatal expander is used to create a wider space in the upper jaw
  • Radiograph - 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
  • Separator (spacer) - Small elastics that fit snugly between certain teeth to move them slightly so bands can be placed on them later
  • Wax - Patients are instructed to place wax over a bracket or poking wire that is causing irritation to the lip or cheek
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