DICTIONARY OF TERMS
A - C | D - I | J - N | O - R | S - Z
S
Scaler: A tool with a curved hook on one end. The orthodontist uses the scaler to remove excess cement and to check for gaps.
Separator: A plastic or metal part, which the orthodontist uses to create space between your teeth for bands.
Space maintainer: A gadget used to maintain a space in your mouth. Space maintainers are used when a baby tooth is lost. The space maintainer will keep a space in your mouth until a permanent tooth comes in to fill the space.
Spee: The curve of spee is the curvature of the occlusal plane of the teeth.
Sterilization: A process where a medical material is treated to remove all possible germs and other forms of life
Stop: A bend or auxiliary attachment placed on a wire to limit the archwire from sliding or moving in the bracket slot of the bracket.
Supernumerary teeth: Some people have extra teeth. These are called "supernumerary” teeth.
T
Thumb Sucking: Thumb sucking can affect the growth of the upper and lower jaws. Typical results include narrowing of the upper jaw, protrusion of the upper front teeth, and interference with the normal growth of the lower jaw. Persistent thumb sucking can be corrected with the use of a simple orthodontic appliance.
Tipping: A tooth movement in which the root of the tooth is tipped labially (lip) or lingually (tongue) to correct the angle of the crown of the tooth.
TMJ: An abbreviation for the "temporomandibular joint.” The "temporomandibular joint" is the joint where your lower jaw connects to your skull. This joint may make a clicking or popping noise when a person chews or opens his/her mouth.
Torque: The rotation of a tooth on the long axis, moving the root of the tooth in a buccal or labial direction.
Tracing (cephalometric): An overlay drawing traced over a cephalometric X-ray that shows specific structures and landmarks that provided a basis for orthodontic therapy.
W
Wax: A clear wax used to prevent your braces from irritating your lips when your braces are first put on, or at other times.
Wax bite: A procedure to measure how well your teeth come together. You bite on a piece of wax, leaving a bitemark in the wax. The orthodontist looks at the wax, along with the study models, to see how well your teeth are aligned.
