Glossary
Archwire
A shaped orthodontic wire that is attached to the braces (brackets) with elastic ties. Several different wires will be used to help move the teeth during treatment.
Band
A thin metal ring that fits around the tooth with a place (slot) for the wire. Typically used on molar (back) teeth.
Braces, Ceramic
Braces that are tooth colored and minimize the appearance of having braces.
Braces, Stainless Steel
Traditional silver colored braces.
Bracket
A bracket is the orthodontic term for braces that are placed in a special position on the tooth. The wire rests in a groove (slot) in the bracket. The slot in the bracket has a specific orientation and positions the tooth and root. Traditional braces are silver colored and are made from stainless steel.
Crossbite
Upper teeth fit inside the lower teeth.
Crowding
Alignment (crooked teeth) and eruption (tooth can’t come into the mouth due to lack of space) problems are most frequently treated in the orthodontic office.
Debanding/Debonding
Removal of braces or other orthodontic appliances.
Dental Development, Diagram
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Gingiva
The gum tissue that surrounds the teeth. Gingivitis is an infection of the gum tissue due to poor cleaning of the teeth.
Headgear
Term for an orthodontic appliance worn with a strap around the neck to move teeth.
Holding Arch, Lingual
A custom-made orthodontic appliance with bands on the upper back teeth with a continuous wire resting on the inside of the lower front teeth. This appliance has many uses in orthodontic treatment; however, most frequently, it holds space when a baby tooth is lost early.
Holding Arch, Nance
A custom-made orthodontic appliance with bands on the upper back teeth with a continuous wire and a plastic pad resting on the inside of the roof of the mouth behind the front teeth.
Images, Digital
Pictures of the face and teeth taken with a digital camera and stored on the computer.
Invisalign
A series of plastic aligners that gradually move teeth. This treatment is designed for teens and adults.
Lingual
A term used to describe sides of teeth or direction toward the tongue.
Maxillary
A name for the upper jaw
Mandible
A name for the lower jaw
Orthodontist
A dental specialist who has completed advanced training accredited by the American Dental Association of at least 2 years in orthodontics.
Overbite
Measurement of the vertical (up and down) overlap of the upper teeth over the lower teeth.
Overjet
Measurement of the horizontal (front to back) distance between the upper and lower front teeth.
Radiograph
Commonly called an X-ray.
Radiograph, Cephalometric
An X-ray of the side of the head that is used to measure jaw and tooth relationships.
Radiograph, Panoramic
An X-ray that shows all the teeth and their relationship to each other.
Records, Orthodontic
Diagnostic information used by orthodontists to evaluate a need, timing of treatment and treatment options for a patient. Orthodontic diagnostic records consist of:
- Digital images
- Panoramic radiograph
- Cephalometric radiograph
- Detailed orthodontic examination
Retainer
Any fixed or removable appliance used to maintain the position of teeth following orthodontic treatment.
Retention
The continuation of orthodontic alignment by a retainer.
Teeth, Congenitally Missing
Not all permanent teeth are present to replace the primary or baby teeth. They may not develop and are referred to as congenitally missing.
Teeth, Impacted
A tooth whose position in the jaw will not allow the tooth to erupt into the mouth.
Teeth, Primary
Commonly called baby teeth. There are 20 baby teeth, which are lost as permanent teeth erupt.
