Orthodontic Terminology

Types of Appliances

• 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.

Treatment Process

• 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.

Common Orthodontic Issues

• 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.