Glossary
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Archwire - The wire that connects from brace to brace. The
archwire provides the force needed for tooth movement early in treatment and
provides arch integrity while wearing elastics later. Band - A ring of metal that is cemented around a tooth. Usually only on more posterior molar teeth. Bracket - The appliance cemented to the tooth that holds the archwire. We may occasionally call these “Bonds” as well. Crossbite - When a lower tooth slips to the outside of an upper tooth. Deband - The occasion of having your braces removed and transitioning into the retention phase of treatment. Elastics - Small rubber bands that are hooked from one tooth to another, customarily from your upper teeth to your lower teeth. Elastics serve as an activating force to move teeth and create an ideal bite. Headgear - An orthopedic appliance (redirects bone growth) that includes a strap that goes around the back of your neck and an inner bow that attaches to your molar bands. Cephalometric X-ray - This is an X-ray that we take of your head, usually from the side but occasionally from the front. This film allows us to measure the growth of your face, see how your upper and lower jawbones relate to each other, and also to get a better understanding of the relationship of your teeth to your jawbones. Impressions - We use a soft clay-like material placed in a small tray that fits over your teeth. In just about a minute this material "sets" leaving a permanent imprint in the material. We can then use this mold to make a model out of plaster that exactly duplicates the details of your teeth. Ligature Wire - Also known as a “Steel Tie,” this tiny wire ties archwires into brackets. Similar to a Tie or Energy Chain. Malocclusion - The technical term for crooked teeth or an improper bite. Loose Band or Bracket - The bond has been broken between the band or bracket and the tooth. Give us a call so we can schedule a time for the repair of this loose brace. Models - The white plaster records of your teeth which come from the impressions. We pour plaster into the impressions and when the plaster hardens we can use it as a model to make your removable appliances or to have a permanent record of your teeth before, during or after your treatment. Overbite - The term to describe a situation where the upper front teeth vertically overlap the lower front teeth excessively. Overjet - Often confused with overbite, an overjet is when the upper anterior teeth are too far forward compared to the lower anterior teeth. Typically an indication of a bite problem in the back as well. Panorex - This is a "panoramic" X-ray that allows us to view the upper and lower jaw, all the teeth, supporting bone, sinuses and the jaw joint. Phase I - Also known as Interceptive Therapy, Phase I treatment is used in young, growing children to mitigate an otherwise more severe orthodontic problem. Phase II - Also known as Comprehensive Therapy, Phase II treatment always follows Phase I treatment and will include full upper and lower braces to complete the treatment necessary (that could not be accomplished during Phase I). Protraction Facemask - An orthopedic appliance like a headgear but works in the opposite direction. A protraction facemask helps move the upper jaw forward. Separator - Small elastic ring that is placed between your posterior teeth to make room for band placement. Ties and Energy Chain - Rubber ligatures that tie the archwires into the brackets. A favorite for patients wanting to add a colorful flare to their braces! Underbite - Normally the upper front teeth are in front of the lower front teeth. An underbite describes the reverse relationship. |
