Glossary

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Archwire
A wire engaged in orthodontic attachments, affixed to the crowns of two or more teeth, and capable of causing or guiding tooth movement.
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Band (orthodontic)
A thin metal ring, usually stainless steel, which serves to secure orthodontic attachments to a tooth. The band, with orthodontic attachments welded or soldered to it, is closely adapted to fit the contours of the tooth and then cemented into place.
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Bracket
An orthodontic attachment that is secured to a tooth (either by bonding or banding) for the purpose of engaging an arch wire. Brackets can be fabricated from metal, ceramic, or plastic.
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Ceramic brackets
Crystalline alumina tooth-shade or clear synthetic sapphire brackets that are aesthetically more attractive than conventional metal attachments.
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Crowding
Dental malalignment caused by inadequate space for the teeth.
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Debanding
The removal of cemented orthodontic bands.
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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.
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Gingiva
The tissue that surrounds the teeth, consisting of a fibrous tissue that is continuous with the periodontal ligament and mucosal covering.
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Headgear
Generic term for extraoral traction (attached around the back side of the head) for growth modification, tooth movement, and anchorage.
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Herbst appliance
Fixed or removable appliance designed commonly for overbite problems and more.
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Imaging
 The process of acquiring representations of structures in either two or three dimensions.
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Lingual
 Of or pertaining to the tongue. A term used to describe surfaces and directions toward the tongue.
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Lingual appliances
 Orthodontic appliances fixed to the lingual surface of the teeth.
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Maxillary
 Of or pertaining to the upper jaw. May be used to describe teeth, dental restorations, orthodontic appliances, or facial structures.
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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.
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Orthognathic surgery
 Surgery to alter relationships of teeth and/or supporting bones, usually accomplished in conjunction with orthodontic therapy.
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Overbite
 Vertical overlapping of upper teeth over lower teeth, usually measured perpendicular to the occlusal plane.
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Radiograph
 A permanent image, typically on film, produced by ionizing radiation. Sometimes called an x-ray after the most common source of image-producing radiation.
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Retainer
 Any orthodontic appliance, fixed or removable, used to maintain the position of the teeth following corrective treatment.
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Retention
 The passive treatment period following active orthodontic correction during which retaining appliances may be used.
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Straight Wire Appliance
 A variation of the edgewise appliance in which brackets are angulated to minimize multiple archwire bends. Brackets and molar tubes have specific orientation in three planes of space.
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