The following are the most commonly used terms in orthodontics.  If you have any questions about orthodontics or would like to schedule an appointment, please contact our office.

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Anterior Teeth: The upper and lower six front teeth on each arch.

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Appliance: Any orthodontic device which moves or retains teeth.  Appliances may also alter the positioning of the jaw.

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Arch: The entire upper or lower jaw.

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Archwire: The metal wire that connects orthodontic brackets.  This wire guides the teeth into their new alignment.

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Band with bracket: Metal bands (rings) that are generally cemented around the back teeth.

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Braces: Fixed orthodontic appliances designed to align teeth.

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Brackets: The tiny metal, ceramic or clear brackets that are affixed to each individual tooth on the arch.

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Brushing: This is a crucial part of home dental care.  Orthodontists recommend those wearing braces to brush after every meal and snack to eliminate bacteria and plaque.

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Buccal: The outer (cheek) side of posterior teeth in the lower and upper arches.

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Cephalometric Radiograph: A side X-ray of the face and head used to show growth and development.

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Chain: Elastics connected together and placed around the brackets to stabilize the archwire and gently close spaces.

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Class I Malocclusion: Molars are correctly aligned, but there is an anterior/posterior crossbite, an openbite or overcrowding on the arches.

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Class II Malocclusion: Also known as an overbite.  The upper front teeth are positioned further forward than the lower teeth.

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Class III Malocclusion: Also known as an underbite.  The lower front teeth are positioned further forward than the upper front teeth.

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Closed Bite: The upper front teeth completely overlap the bottom teeth causing a deep overbite.

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Congenitally Missing Teeth: Some permanent teeth fail to develop and erupt due to genetic factors.

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Crossbite: A malocclusion in which the upper back teeth bite inside or outside the lower back teeth, or the lower front teeth bite in front of the upper front teeth.

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De-banding: The removal of orthodontic bands from the teeth.

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De-bonding: The removal of affixed orthodontic brackets from the teeth.

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Diagnostic Records: Records used to assess, plan and implement treatments.  These records usually include medical and dental history, radiographs, panoramic radiographs, bite molds and intraoral/extraoral photographs.

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Digital Radiograph: Digital X-rays of the teeth which can be viewed, stored, and transmitted via computer.

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Elastics: Some braces may require that elastic rubber bands be attached to exert additional pressure to an individual tooth or a group of teeth.

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Eruption: The way in which teeth surface through the gums inside the mouth.

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Fixed Orthodontic Appliances: Orthodontic appliances which are affixed to the teeth by the orthodontist and cannot be removed by the patient.

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Flossing: An essential part of home care that removes debris and plaque from above and below the gumline.

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Functional Appliances: Orthodontic appliances that use the muscle movement created by swallowing, eating and speaking to gently move and align the teeth and jaws.

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Gingiva: The gums and soft tissue around the teeth.

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Headgear: A removable appliance comprised of a brace and external archwire.  This device modifies growth and promotes tooth movement.

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Impressions: Teeth impressions are taken to allow the orthodontist to see exactly how a patient’s teeth fit together.

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Interceptive Treatment: Treatment performed on children who have a mixture of adult and baby teeth.  Early treatment can help reduce the need for major orthodontic treatment in the future.

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Invisalign®: A newer, removable type of dental aligner that is completely transparent and doesn’t interfere with eating because it’s removable.  Not all patients are candidates for Invisalign®.

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Ligating Modules: An elastic donut-shaped ring which helps secure the archwire to the bracket.

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Ligation: Securing the archwire to the brackets.

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Lingual Side: The side of the teeth (in both arches) that is closest to the tongue.

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Malocclusion: Literally means “bad bite” in Latin, and refers to teeth that do not fit together correctly.

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Mandible: The lower jaw.

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Maxilla: The upper jaw.

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Mouthguard: A removable plastic or rubber device that protects teeth and braces from sporting injuries.

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Open Bite: Upper and lower teeth fail to make contact with each other.  This malocclusion is generally classified as anterior or posterior.

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Orthodontics: The unique branch of dentistry concerned with diagnosing, preventing and correcting malocclusions and jaw irregularities.

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Orthodontist: A dental specialist who prevents, diagnoses and treats jaw irregularities and malocclusions.  Orthodontists must complete two or three additional years of college after dental school and complete a residency program.

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Palatal Expander: A removable or fixed device designed to expand the palate in order create room on either the upper or lower arch.

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Panoramic Radiograph: An extraoral (external) X-ray that shows the teeth and jaws.

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Plaque: The sticky film of saliva, food particles and bacteria that contributes to gum disease and tooth decay.

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Posterior Teeth: Back teeth.

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Removable Appliance: An orthodontic brace or device that can be removed at will by the patient.  It must be worn for the designated amount of time each day to be effective.

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Separators: A wire loop or elastic ring placed between the teeth to create room for the subsequent placement of bands or orthodontic appliance.

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Space Maintainer: A fixed appliance used to hold space for permanent (adult) tooth.  This is usually used when a baby tooth has been lost earlier than anticipated.

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Wax: Orthodontic relief wax is a home care remedy used to alleviate irritations caused by braces.

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Wires: Attached to the brackets to gently move the teeth into proper alignment.