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.

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.

Bonding

The process by which orthodontic attachments are affixed to the teeth by an adhesive.

Ceramic brackets

Crystalline, alumina, tooth-shade or clear synthetic sapphire brackets that are aesthetically more attractive than conventional metal attachments.

Closed bite

Excessive vertical overlap of the anterior teeth; deep bite.

Crossbite

An abnormal relationship of a tooth or teeth to the opposing teeth, in which normal buccolingual or labiolingual relationships are reversed. Also called Reverse articulation.

Crowding

Dental malalignment caused by inadequate space for the teeth.

Debanding

The removal of cemented orthodontic bands.

Debonding

The removal of cemented orthodontic bands.

Dental plaque

A “conglomeration” of bacteria and organic matter which adheres to the teeth and related structures

Dentofacial orthopedics

A synonym for orthodontics that more fully describes the scope of contemporary practice.

Elastics (rubber bands)

Used to move teeth in prescribed directions. If needed, instructions will be given as to how to wear them and how often. This is where the patient’s involvement is extremely important, as it is up to him or her to take them on and off.

Facebow

A long metal bow which is used in conjunction with extraoral traction anchored on the back of the head or neck. The metal bow inserts intraorally into an orthodontic appliance and is generally used to distalise teeth or bones or prevent their forward movement.

Fixed appliance

An orthodontic appliance whose attachments are bonded or cemented to the teeth and cannot be removed by the patient. Generally termed ‘braces’ by the lay public.

Friction

A resistance to the relative displacement of contacting bodies in a direction tangent to the plane of contact.

Functional appliance

A term used to describe to a class of appliances which utilize the muscle action of the patient to produce orthodontic or orthopedic forces.

Gingiva

The tissue that surrounds the teeth, consisting of a fibrous tissue that is continuous with the periodontal ligament and mucosal covering.

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.

Imaging

The process of acquiring representations of structures in either two or three dimensions.

Implant

Any object or material, such as an alloplastic substance or other tissue, which is partially or completely inserted or grafted into the body for therapeutic, diagnostic, prosthetic, or experimental purposes. 2. Generally an artificial structure placed into bone which provides for prosthetic replacement of some missing structure. Also used to describe a graft placed in soft tissue.

Impression

A negative likeness or copy in reverse of the surface of an object; an imprint of the teeth and adjascent structures for use in dentistry/ orthodontics. An impression in orthodontics is typically produced by placing an elastic compound like alginate in a preformed tray, and placing the loaded tray over the teeth until the material stiffens. The impression is removed from the mouth and may be filled with plaster to produce an exact positive reproduction of the teeth or dental arch.

Lingual

Of or pertaining to the tongue. A term used to describe surfaces and directions toward the tongue.

Lingual appliances

Orthodontic appliances fixed to the lingual surface of the teeth.

Malocclusion (relationship of teeth in occlusion)

A deviation in intramaxillary and/or intermaxillary relations of teeth from normal occlusion. Often associated with other dentofacial deformities.

Maxillary

Of or pertaining to the upper jaw. May be used to describe teeth, dental restorations, orthodontic appliances or facial structures.

Mouthguard

A removable elastic appliance used to protect the teeth and supporting tissues during contact sports.

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 overlap of maxillary teeth over mandibular anterior teeth, usually measured perpendicular to the occlusal plane.

Overjet

Horizontal projection of maxillary teeth beyond the mandibular anterior teeth, usually measured parallel to the occlusal plane. When not otherwise specified, the term is generally assumed to refer to central incisors and is measured from the labial surface of the mandibular tooth to the lingual surface of the maxillary at the level of the edge of the upper incisor. Unique conditions may sometimes require other measuring techniques

Palatal expansión

The lateral movement of the maxillae to increase palatal width.

Panoramic radiograph

A radiographic tomography of the jaws, taken with a specialized machine designed to present a panoramic view of the full circumferential length of the jaws on a single film. Also known by several proprietary brand names of machines, most of which include ‘pan’ as a part of the name. (Also termed panoral or panorex).

Protrusión

The state of being anteriorly positioned.

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.

Retainer

Any orthodontic appliance, fixed or removable, used to maintain the position of the teeth following corrective treatment.

Retention

The passive treatment period following active orthodontic correction during which retaining appliances may be used.

Separator

An object/ agent (elastic module, brass wire, spring) used for separating teeth.

Space maintainer

A prosthetic replacement for prematurely lost primary teeth intended to prevent closure of the space before eruption of the permanent successors. Often an urgent necessity in the buccal segment to prevent impaction of the permanent teeth and other complications.

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.

Tongue thrust

Interposition of the tongue between the anterior teeth, especially in the initial stage of swallowing. This action, often combined with a resting position of the tongue between the teeth, can inhibit normal eruption and produce an open bite.

Underbite

An ambiguous non-technical term (archaic) for negative overjet.

X-ray

Electromagnetic radiation produced when electrons strike a target under high voltage in a vacuum. The term is sometimes used incorrectly as a synonym for radiograph.