Glossary

Orthodontic Glossary

Key terms used in orthodontic treatment — from the appliances used to move teeth and the bite issues they correct, to the retention phase that follows active treatment.

Braces

Fixed orthodontic appliances consisting of brackets, bands, and wires that are attached to the teeth to move them into proper alignment.

Clear Aligners

Transparent, removable orthodontic appliances that gradually straighten teeth.

Invisalign

A popular brand of clear aligners.

Lingual Braces

Braces that are attached to the back (tongue side) of the teeth.

Retainers

Removable or fixed appliances worn after orthodontic treatment to maintain the new tooth position.

Archwire

A metal wire that is attached to the brackets and guides the teeth into their new alignment.

Bands

Metal rings that are cemented around the back teeth (molars) to provide anchorage for the appliance.

Brackets

Small attachments that are bonded to the teeth and hold the archwire in place.

Cephalometric X-ray

An X-ray of the head that shows the relationship between the teeth, jaws, and skull.

Elastic Ties (Ligatures)

Small rubber bands or thin wires that hold the archwire in the bracket slots.

Interproximal Reduction (IPR)

Removing a small amount of enamel between teeth to create space for alignment.

Malocclusion

Misalignment of the teeth or jaws.

Occlusion

The way the upper and lower teeth fit together when the mouth is closed.

Orthodontist

A dentist who specializes in the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of dental and facial irregularities.

Panoramic X-ray

An X-ray that provides a wide view of the entire mouth, including the teeth, jawbones, and sinuses.

Retention

The period after active orthodontic treatment when retainers are worn to maintain the new tooth position.

Crowding

When there is not enough space in the jaw for all the teeth to align properly.

Crossbite

When the upper teeth bite inside the lower teeth.

Open Bite

When the upper and lower front teeth do not overlap when the mouth is closed.

Overbite

When the upper front teeth overlap the lower front teeth excessively.

Overjet

When the upper front teeth protrude horizontally over the lower front teeth.

Spacing

Gaps or spaces between teeth.

Underbite

When the lower front teeth protrude in front of the upper front teeth.