Orthodontic Terms & Dictionary
Orthodontic Terms Explained
You may hear some common terms throughout your smile journey. Here’s what they mean.
-
A device that assists in the straightening of teeth. Examples are braces, Invisalign® clear aligners, and retainers. We offer other orthodontic appliances to our patients as needed.
-
The wire that extends through each bracket slot in braces.
-
A metal device that wraps around the tooth to hold a bracket or tube in place.
-
A small orthodontic device is placed on the back of the upper front teeth to prevent full closure of the teeth. This protects the lower braces from being damaged by the bite.
-
The technique of attaching an orthodontic device directly to the enamel of the tooth with the use of adhesive.
-
The metal device (also referred to as a brace) for fastening the archwire to the tooth or band.
-
A spring that fits between the bracket and the archwire to open space between teeth.
-
A small rubber band that attaches to the braces exerts forces on teeth to facilitate movement.
-
A small rubber band encircles the bracket to seat the archwire in the bracket slot.
-
A device used to improve the placement of the bite or jaw.
-
A device that corrects overbite by holding the lower jaw in a protrusive position.
-
A small device to which elastics or other auxiliary devices are attached.
-
A type of braces that are placed behind teeth so that no one can see them. Also known as incognito braces.
-
A type of treatment that uses a series of clear plastic aligners, similar to clear retainers, to gradually move teeth.
-
A wire used to tie a tooth to an orthodontic appliance or another tooth.
-
A tooth or gum shield worn by patients (athletes) to prevent injuries.
-
A device used to widen the upper jaw so that the upper and lower teeth will fit together.
-
A device, usually made of plastic and wires, to hold teeth in position after treatment.
-
A device or instrument designed to wedge teeth apart, particularly teeth in tight contact. Frequently used for the examination of proximal surfaces, finishing a restoration, or before banding.
-
A soft, malleable substance is placed on brackets to prevent rubbing or irritation.