Orthodontic
Terms
Appliances
Anything the orthodontist attaches to your teeth to move your teeth or to change the shape of your jaw.
Biteplate
A fixed or removable appliance used to open a deep bite (decrease the vertical overlap of the upper and lower incisors).
Braces
A device used in orthodontics to align teeth and their position with regards to a person’s bite. They are often used to correct malocclusions such as underbites, overbites, cross bite and open bites, deep bites or crooked teeth and various other flaws of teeth and jaws, whether cosmetic or structural.
Bonding
The process of attaching brackets to your teeth using a special safe adhesive.
Cephalometric X-Ray
An x-ray of the head that shows if your teeth are aligned and growing properly.
Consultation
A meeting with your orthodontist where he/she discusses your treatment
Debonding
The removal of your cemented orthodontic brackets.
Elastics
Elastics or rubber bands for braces help move the upper and lower teeth relative to each other, ultimately achieving a better bite. The orthodontic rubber bands are typically effective for correcting overbites, underbites, or other types of alignments of the jaw. They are also useful for moving a tooth out of alignment or to close a space in the mouth.
Extractions
Extractions of impacted or problematic wisdom teeth to make space for orthodontic treatment.
Hawley Retainer
Hawley retainer includes a metal wire that surrounds the teeth and keeps them in place. Named for its inventor, Dr. Charles Hawley, the labial wire, or Hawley bow, incorporates 2 omega loops for adjustment. It is anchored in an acrylic arch that sits in the palate (roof of the mouth).
Impressions
The first step in making a model of your teeth. You bite into a container filled with a rubber-type material. That material hardens to produce a mold of your teeth.
Interproximal Reduction (IPR)
Interproximal Reduction (IPR) is the removal of small amounts of outer enamel tooth surface between two adjacent teeth. It is a means to acquire additional space to create ideal tooth alignment. Alternative names include: slenderizing, stripping, enamel reduction, and reproximation.
Invisalign®
Invisalign® is a series of clear, removable teeth aligners that both orthodontists and dentists use as an alternative to traditional metal dental braces.
Oral Hygiene
Effective brushing and flossing is one of the most critical actions needed from patients during braces. Regular visits to the general dentist for examination and cleaning are also essential. The results of inadequate oral hygiene include decalcification (white spots/marks), gingivitis (inflammation of the gums), and periodontal disease (inflammation leading to bone loss).
Orthodontic Adjustment
An evaluation of your progress where your wires may be changed to keep your treatment on track and moving forward.
Palatal Expander
A palatal expander, also known as a rapid palatal expander, rapid maxillary expansion appliance, palate expander or orthodontic expander, is used to widen the upper jaw so that the bottom and upper teeth will fit together better.
Panoramic X-Ray
A x-ray taken by a machine that rotates around your head to give your orthodontist a picture of your teeth, jaws and other important information.
Separators/Spacers
Separators are tiny rubber bands or springs that your orthodontist places between your back teeth. These separators prepare your mouth for braces by creating a small gap between these teeth. This space allows for the placement of a metal band around your molar, which anchors your braces in your mouth.
