Glossary

Appliance: Any device, either attached to the teeth or removable, designed to move the teeth, change the position of the jaw, or hold the teeth in their final positions after braces are removed. This includes retainers, headgears, and so on.

Archwire: A wire that is held in place by the brackets and acts as a track to guide the movement of teeth.

Band: Metal bands (rings) that are cemented around the back teeth

Brackets: The small metal or ceramic brackets that are affixed to each individual tooth on the arch

Chain: Elastics connected together and placed around the brackets to stabilize the archwire and gently close spaces

Coil Spring: The coil spring fits between brackets and over the archwire to aid in creating or maintaining space

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

Crowding: Dental malalignment caused by inadequate space for the teeth

Debanding: The removal of cemented orthodontic bands

Debonding: The removal of affixed orthodontic brackets from the teeth

Deep Overbite: The upper front teeth excessively overlap the bottom teeth

Decalcification: Sometimes called “white scars,” these are the white chalky marks on teeth caused by plaque being left on for an extended period of time.

Elastics (Rubber Bands): Used to move teeth in a prescribed direction

Gingiva: The gums and soft tissue around the teeth

Habit Appliance: An appliance designed to deter thumb or finger sucking habits

Headgear: A removable appliance comprised of a facebow and neck strap. This device modifies growth and promotes tooth movement.

Herbst Appliance: Fixed appliance designed for Class II patients

Impacted Tooth: A tooth that is unable to erupt from the gum normally because of the position of the bone or surrounding teeth.

Mandible: The lower jaw

Maxilla: The upper jaw

Mouthguard: A removable plastic or rubber device that protects teeth and braces from sporting injuries

Openbite: Upper and lower teeth fail to make contact with each other. This malocclusion is generally classified as anterior (front of the mouth) or posterior (back of the mouth).

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 (Jaw Surgery): Surgery to alter relationships of teeth and/or supporting bones, usually accomplished in conjunction with orthodontic treatment

Overbite: This occurs when the top front teeth overlap the bottom front teeth excessively.

Overjet: The upper front teeth protrude in front of the bottom front teeth when back teeth are closed.

Palatal Expander: A device designed to expand the palate in order to encourage the maxilla to grow wider.

Phase 1 Treatment: Early orthodontic treatment, usually between ages 7–10, that occurs when a child still has a mixture of permanent and baby teeth. This initial phase is designed to help treat certain orthodontic problems, such as alignment and growth issues, that are more easily corrected when the patient is still young. Phase I patients will almost always still need a full set of braces (known as Phase II) at a later time.

Phase 2 Treatment: Also known as “active treatment” or “full braces,” this phase of treatment occurs once all the permanent teeth have come in.

Retainer: A removable appliance worn to stabilize teeth in their new positions after orthodontic treatment. They are usually made of a combination of plastic and wire.

Retention: The passive treatment period following active orthodontic correction during which retaining appliances are used

Separator (Spacer): An elastic ring placed between the teeth to create room for the subsequent placement of bands or an orthodontic appliance

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: Patients are instructed to place wax over a bracket or poking wire that is causing irritation to the lip or cheek