- Bands
- Bonding
- Bracket
- Cephlometric X-ray
- Chain
- Consultation
- Debonding
- Elastics
- Extractions
- Fixed Retainer
- Impressions
- Interceptive
- Ligating Module
- Mouthguard
- Oral Hygiene
- Orthodontic Adjustment
- Orthodontic Records
- Removable Retainers
- IPR (Interproximal reduction)
- Palatal Expander
- Panoramic X-ray
- Rubber Bands
- Separators/ Spacers
- Surgery
- Two-phase Treatment
- Wax Bite
- Wax
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Bands
A metal ring that is usually placed on your teeth to hold on parts of your braces.
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Bonding
The process of attaching brackets to your teeth using a special safe adhesive.
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Bracket
Brackets are the small metal or ceramic modules attached to each tooth. They serve as guides to move the teeth and hold the archwire in place.
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Cephalometric X-Ray
An x-ray of the head that shows if your teeth are aligned and growing properly.
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Chain
A stretchable plastic chain used to hold archwires into brackets and to move teeth.
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Consultation
A meeting with your orthodontist where he/she discusses your treatment plan.
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Debonding
The removal of cemented orthodontic brackets.
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Elastics
During various phases of treatment, small elastics or rubber bands are used as a gentle but continuous force to help individual tooth movement or the aligning of jaws.
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Extractions
Extractions of impacted or problematic wisdom teeth to make space for orthodontic treatment.
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Fixed Retainer
Fixed retainers consist of a metal wire bonded to the back of the teeth. Fixed retainers can stay in place indefinitely.
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Fixed Retainer
Fixed retainers consist of a metal wire bonded to the back of the teeth. Fixed retainers can stay in place indefinitely.
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Impressions
The first step in making a model of your teeth. You bite into a container filled with a rubber-type material. That material hardens to produce a mold of your teeth.
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Interceptive Treatment
Orthodontic treatment that is usually done between the ages of 6 and 10. The objective of interceptive orthodontic treatment is to provide orthopedic intervention, so that later orthodontic treatment goes quicker and is less painful.
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Ligating Module
A small plastic piece, shaped like a donut, which is used to hold the archwires in the brackets on your teeth.
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Mouth Guard
A device that is used to protect your mouth from injury when you are participating in sports. The use of a mouthguard is especially important for orthodontic patients, to prevent injuries.
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Oral Hygiene
Effective brushing and flossing is one of the most critical actions needed from patients during braces. Regular visits to the general dentist for examination and cleaning are also essential. The results of inadequate oral hygiene include decalcification (white spots/marks), gingivitis (inflammation of the gums), and periodontal disease (inflammation leading to bone loss).
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Removable Retainer
An appliance that the orthodontist gives you to hold your teeth in position.
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Panoramic X-Ray
An x-ray taken by a machine that rotates around your head to give your orthodontist a picture of your teeth, jaws and other important information.
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Rubber Bands
During various phases of treatment, small elastics or rubber bands are used as a gentle but continuous force to help individual tooth movement or the aligning of jaws.
Orthodontic Adjustment
An evaluation of your progress where your wires may be changed to keep your treatment on track and moving forward.
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Orthotontic Records
These records, which include cephalometric and panoramic x-rays, digital photos and study models, help your orthodontist determine what treatment needs to be done.
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Interproximal reduction (IPR)
Interproximal reduction (IPR) is the removal of small amounts of outer enamel tooth surface between two adjacent teeth. It is a means to acquire additional space to create ideal tooth alignment. Alternative names include: slenderizing, stripping, enamel reduction, and reproximation.
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Palatal Expander
A palatal expander, also known as a rapid palatal expander, rapid maxillary expansion appliance, palate expander or orthodontic expander, is used to widen the upper jaw so that the bottom and upper teeth will fit together better.
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Separators/Spacers
A plastic or metal part that the orthodontist uses to create space between your teeth for bands.
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Two-Phase Treatment
Two phase orthodontic treatment is a very specialized process that encompasses tooth straightening and physical, facial changes. The major advantage of a two-phase treatment is to maximize the opportunity to accomplish the ideal healthy, functional, and esthetic result that will remain stable throughout your life.
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Surgery
Orthognathic surgery is surgery performed on the bones of the jaws to change their positions. It may be considered for functional, cosmetic, or health reasons. It is surgery commonly performed on the jaws in conjunction with orthodontic treatment, which straightens the teeth.
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Wax Bite
A procedure to measure how well your teeth come together. You bite a sheet of wax and leave bitemarks in the wax. This helps the orthodontist relate the upper and lower models of your teeth together.
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Wax
A clear wax used to prevent your braces from irritating your lips or cheeks when your braces are first put on, or at other times.
