Archwires
Flexible wires engaged in orthodontic brackets used to move teeth to their correct position.
Bands (orthodontic)
Thin metal rings, usually stainless steel, cemented to the teeth. Bands usually have brackets attached to them.
Brackets
Orthodontic attachments that are secured to the teeth (either by bonding or banding) for the purpose of engaging an archwire. Brackets can be fabricated from metal, ceramic or plastic.
Bonding
The attachment of brackets to tooth surfaces by means of a special adhesive.
Crowding
Dental malalignment caused by inadequate space for the teeth.
Debanding/debonding
The removal of cemented orthodontic bands and/or brackets.
Elastics (rubber bands)
Used to move teeth in prescribed direction (commonly connected to molar band and upper ball hook). Found in numerous colors for better appearance.
Gingiva
The tissue that surrounds the teeth, consisting of a fibrous tissue that is continuous with the periodontal ligament and mucosal covering.
Headgear
Removable device attached to bands on the teeth with a strap or pad around the back side of the head or neck. Most commonly used for jaw growth modification to correct jaw size imbalance such as in severe overbite/overjet problems.
Herbst and Forsus appliances
Appliances attached to the teeth, entirely inside the mouth, designed commonly for correction of severe overbite/overjet problems.
Imaging
X-rays and photographs used to document facial and dental structures for treatment planning purposes.
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 inner (lingual) surface of the teeth.
Mandible/mandibular
Of or pertaining to the lower jaw.
Maxilla/maxillary
Of or pertaining to the upper jaw.
Orthodontist
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 facial bones, usually carried out in conjunction with orthodontic treatment.
Overbite
Vertical overlapping of upper front teeth over the lower front teeth.
Overjet
Protrusion of the upper front teeth forward of the lower front teeth.
Radiograph
A permanent image, either on film or captured digitally, produced by ionizing radiation. Generally referred to as 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.
Underbite
Prominence of the lower front teeth forward of the upper front teeth.