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Parts of Braces Orthodontic Terminology/Procedures Parts of Braces A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z Appliance Anything an orthodontist attaches to the teeth which moves the teeth or changes the shape of the 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. Bond The seal created by orthodontic cement that holds the appliances in 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. Coil Spring A spring that fits between the brackets and over the archwire to open space between the teeth. Ceramic Brackets Crystalline, alumina, tooth-shade or clear synthetic sapphire brackets that are aesthetically more attractive than conventional metal attachments. Elastics (Rubber Bands) A small rubber band that is hooked between different points on the appliance to provide pressure to move the teeth to their new position. Elastic Tie The rubber band that fits around the bracket to hold the archwire in place. They come in a variety of colors. 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. Ligature A thin wire that holds the archwire into the bracket. Lingual Appliances Orthodontic appliances fixed to the lingual surface of the teeth. Mouthguard A device that protects the mouth from injury during sports or rigorous activities. Palatal Expander A device that makes the upper jaw wider. Retainer Any orthodontic appliance, fixed or removable, used to maintain the position of the teeth following corrective treatment. Separator (Spacers) A small rubber ring that creates space between the teeth before the bands are attached. 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. Wax Wax is used to stop the braces from irritating the lips and cheeks. Orthodontic Terminology/Procedures A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z Banding The process of fitting and cementing orthodontic bands to the teeth. Bonding The process of attaching brackets to the teeth using special orthodontic cement. Cephalometic X-ray An X-ray of the head which shows the relative positions and growth of the face, jaws, and teeth. Consultation A meeting with the orthodontist to discuss a treatment plan. 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. Gingiva The tissue that surrounds the teeth, consisting of a fibrous tissue that is continuous with the periodontal ligament and mucosal covering. Imaging The process of acquiring representations of structures in either two or three dimensions. Impressions The process of making a model of the teeth by biting into a soft material that hardens into a mold of the teeth. The orthodontist uses the impression to prepare a treatment plan. Invisalign An alternative to traditional braces, Invisalign straightens the teeth with a series of clear custom molded aligners. Invisalign corrects some but not all orthodontic problems. Ligation The process of attaching an archwire to the brackets on the teeth. Lingual Of or pertaining to the tongue. A term used to describe surfaces and directions toward the tongue. 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. Panoramic X-ray An X-ray that rotates around the head and takes pictures of the teeth, jaw and other facial areas. 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. Retention The passive treatment period following active orthodontic correction during which retaining appliances may be used. |
