DICTIONARY OF TERMS
A - C | D - I | J - N | O - R | S - Z
A
Anterior: An adjective used to describe things pertaining to your centrals, laterals, and cuspids (your front teeth).
Appliance: Anything the orthodontist attaches to your teeth to move your teeth or to change the shape of your jaw.
Arch: Collectively, either the teeth or the basal bone of either jaw.
Arch Wire: A metal wire that is attached to your brackets to move your teeth.
Archwire: An archwire is a “U-shaped” piece of wire that is attached to brackets, which are in turn attached to your teeth. The purpose of the archwire is to shape the layout of the teeth into an optimal arch pattern. As your teeth are moved in orthodontic treatment, the archwire provides a guiding and shaping force to achieve the desired arch shape.
Articulator: A special holder for models of your teeth. The articulator holds the models in the same alignment as your jaw so the orthodontist can look carefully at your bite.
B
Band: A metal ring that is usually placed on your teeth to hold on parts of your braces.
Banding: The process of cementing orthodontic bands to your teeth.
Bonding: The process of attaching brackets to your teeth using a special safe glue.
Bracket: A metal or ceramic part that is glued onto a tooth and that serves as a means of fastening the archwire.
Bruxism: Clenching or grinding of your teeth, especially at night.
C
Cephalometric X-Rays: An X-ray of the head that shows whether or not your teeth are properly aligned, and whether or not they are growing properly.
Chain, Orthodontic Chain: A stretchable plastic chain used to hold archwires into brackets and to move teeth.
Cheek retractors: Small plastic pieces used to draw back your lips and cheeks so the orthodontist can more easily see your teeth and work in your mouth.
Clear Braces: Clear ceramic braces actually refer to brackets -- the part of your braces that are glued to your teeth -- made of a clear, less noticeable material. Ask Dr. DiMassa about the possibility of getting clear braces.
The Consultation: A meeting to discuss your treatment plan and financial options.
Crossbite: A malocclusion where some of your upper teeth are inside of your lower teeth when you bite down.
Crowding: An orthodontic problem caused by having too many teeth in too small of a space.
Curing Light: A special UV light used to help attach brackets to your teeth.
