Orthodontic FAQ
The following are the most commonly used terms in orthodontics. If you have any questions about orthodontics or would like to schedule an appointment, please contact our office.
Anterior Teeth
The upper and lower six front teeth on each arch.
Appliance
Any orthodontic device which moves or retains teeth. Appliances may also alter the positioning of the jaw.
Arch
The entire upper or lower jaw.
Archwire
The metal wire that connects orthodontic brackets. This wire guides the teeth into their new alignment.
Band With Bracket
Metal bands (rings) that are generally cemented around the back teeth.
Braces
Fixed orthodontic appliances designed to align teeth.
Brackets
The tiny metal, ceramic or clear brackets are affixed to each individual tooth on the arch.
Brushing
This is a crucial part of home dental care. Orthodontists recommend those wearing braces to brush after every meal and snack to eliminate bacteria and plaque.
Buccal
The outer (cheek) side of posterior teeth in the lower and upper arches.
Cephalometric Radiograph
A side X-ray of the face and head used to show growth and development.
Chain
Elastics connected together and placed around the brackets to stabilize the archwire and gently close spaces.
Class I Malocclusion
Molars are correctly aligned, but there is an anterior/posterior crossbite, an open bite, or overcrowding on the arches.
Class II Malocclusion
Also known as an overbite. The upper front teeth are positioned further forward than the lower teeth.
Class III Malocclusion
Also known as an underbite. The lower front teeth are positioned further forward than the upper front teeth.
Congenitally Missing Teeth
Some permanent teeth fail to develop and erupt due to genetic factors.
Crossbite
A malocclusion in which the upper back teeth bite inside or outside the lower back teeth, or the lower front teeth bite in front of the upper front teeth.
De-banding
The removal of orthodontic bands from the teeth.
De-bonding
The removal of affixed orthodontic brackets from the teeth.
Deep Bite
The upper front teeth completely overlap the bottom teeth causing a deep overbite.
Diagnostic Records
Records used to assess, plan, and implement treatments. These records usually include medical and dental history, radiographs, panoramic radiographs, bite molds and intraoral/extraoral photographs.
Digital Radiograph
Digital X-rays of the teeth can be viewed, stored, and transmitted via computer.
Elastics
Some braces may require that elastic rubber bands be attached to exert additional pressure on an individual tooth or a group of teeth.
Eruption
The way in which teeth surface through the gums inside the mouth.
Fixed Orthodontic Appliances
Orthodontic appliances that are affixed to the teeth by the orthodontist and cannot be removed by the patient.
Flossing
An essential part of home care that removes debris and plaque from above and below the gumline.
Functional Appliances
Orthodontic appliances that use the muscle movement created by swallowing, eating, and speaking to gently move and align the teeth and jaws.
Gingiva
The gums and soft tissue around the teeth.
Headgear
A removable appliance comprised of a brace and external archwire. This device modifies growth and promotes tooth movement.
Impressions
Teeth impressions are taken to allow the orthodontist to see exactly how a patient’s teeth fit together.
Interceptive Treatment
Treatment performed on children who have a mixture of adult and baby teeth. Early treatment can help reduce the need for major orthodontic treatment in the future.
Invisalign®
A brand of removable dental aligners that are completely transparent and do not interfere with eating because they are removable. Not all patients are candidates for Invisalign®.
Ligating Modules
An elastic donut-shaped ring that helps secure the archwire to the bracket.
Ligation
Securing the archwire to the brackets.
Lingual Side
The side of the teeth (in both arches) that is closest to the tongue.
Malocclusion
Literally means “bad bite” in Latin, and refers to teeth that do not fit together correctly.
Mandible
The lower jaw.
Maxilla
The upper jaw.
Mouthguard
A removable plastic or rubber device that protects teeth and braces from sporting injuries.
Open Bite
Upper and lower teeth fail to make contact with each other. This malocclusion is generally classified as anterior or posterior.
Orthodontics
The unique branch of dentistry concerned with diagnosing, preventing, and correcting malocclusions and jaw irregularities.
Orthodontist
A dental specialist who prevents, diagnoses, and treats jaw irregularities and malocclusions. Orthodontists must complete two or three additional years of college after dental school and complete a residency program.
Palatal Expander
A removable or fixed device designed to expand the palate in order to create room on either the upper or lower arch.
Panoramic Radiograph
An extraoral (external) X-ray that shows the teeth and jaws.
Plaque
The sticky film of saliva, food particles, and bacteria that contributes to gum disease and tooth decay.
Posterior Teeth
Back teeth.
Removable Appliance
An orthodontic brace or device that can be removed at will by the patient. It must be worn for the designated amount of time each day to be effective.
Separators
A wire loop or elastic ring placed between the teeth to create room for the subsequent placement of bands or orthodontic appliances.
Space Maintainer
A fixed appliance used to hold space for a permanent (adult) tooth. This is usually used when a baby tooth has been lost earlier than anticipated.
Wax
Orthodontic relief wax is a home care remedy used to alleviate irritations caused by braces.
Wires
Attached to the brackets to gently move the teeth into proper alignment.
