A wire engaged in orthodontic attachments, affixed to the crowns of two or more teeth, and capable of causing or guiding tooth movement.
Continuous arch wire
A wire that engages or could engage, through crown attachments, all of the erupted teeth in the maxillary or mandibular dental arch.
Sectional or Segmental arch wire
arch wire that engages, through crown attachments, only a few teeth (e.g., only the four incisors or only a posterior dental segment).
Activation
The process of deforming an appliance part from its passive state (e.g.,the stretching of an elastic) and completing its engagement to produce a force system transmitted by the appliance to the dentition.
Alveolar process
The unshaped ridge of maxillary or mandibular alveolar bone that surrounds and supports the roots of the teeth.
Band (orthodontic)
A thin metal ring, usually stainless steel, which serves to secure orthodontic attachments to a tooth. The band, with orthodontic attachments welded or soldered to it, is closely adapted to fit the contours of the tooth and then cemented into place.
Bonding
The process by which orthodontic attachments are affixed to the teeth by an adhesive.
Direct Bonding
An intraoral procedure in which orthodontic attachments are oriented by inspection and bonded individually to the tooth surface.
Indirect Bonding
A two-step process by which orthodontic attachments are affixed temporarily to the teeth of a study model and then transferred en masse to the mouth by means of a molded matrix that preserves their predetermined orientation and permits them to be bonded simultaneously.
Bracket
An orthodontic attachment that is secured to a tooth (either by bonding or banding) for the purpose of engaging an arch wire. Brackets can be fabricated from metal, ceramic or plastic.
Bruxism
Habitual grinding or gnashing of the teeth, usually during sleep. May cause attrition of the teeth, muscle ischemia, and pain and damage to the supporting tissues. Frequently associated with clenching and TMJ problems.
Button
A metal ball hook bonded to a tooth to which elastics are attached.
Centric Occlusion
Mandibular position dictated by maximum and habitual intercuspation of the upper and lower teeth; variously referred to as intercuspal position, habitual centric, usual occlusal position. The condylar position may or may not be in harmony with centric relation. Because of this, the term habitual occlusion is preferable. Historically, a gnathologic and articulator oriented term.
Centric Relation
A gnathologic term, signifying optimal condyle-articular eminence-glenoid fossa relationships, determined by muscle balance and not by tooth intercuspation. Changing concepts no longer accept the most retruded, rearmost or hinge axis definition, originally derived from prosthetic articulators. To the orthodontist, the condylar position can vary somewhat, but is generally recognized as high on the posterior surface of the articular eminence. Lack of harmony of centric occlusion and centric relation status is particularly important in diagnosis of TMJ problems.
Cephalometric Analysis
The process of evaluating dental and skeletal relationships by way of measurements obtained directly from the living head or, more commonly, from cephalometric radiographs and tracings. Refers also to the standardized sets of cephalometric measurements (e.g., Downs Analysis) commonly used in the evaluation.
Class I Malocclusion (Neutroclusion)
A malocclusion in which the mesiobuccal cusp of the maxillary first molar occludes in the buccal groove of the mandibular molar. "Class I" is sometimes incorrectly used as a synonym for normal occlusion, whereas it signifies only a normal sagittal relationship of upper and lower posterior teeth as they meet.
Class II malocclusion (Distoclusion)
A distal (posterior) placement of the mandibular (lower) molar, mesial (anterior) relationship of the maxillary (upper), or a combination of the two. The mesiobuccal cusp of the upper first molar occludes mesial to the buccal groove of the lower, usually near the embrasure between the lower molar and second bicuspid.
Class II, Division 1
A Class II molar relationship with proclined upper incisors with respect to the lower incisors.
Class II, Division 2
A Class II molar relationship, usually with the upper central incisors tipped lingually, the upper lateral incisors tipped labially, and an excessive overbite. Subdivision Denotes a unilateral malocclusion classification(e.g. Class II, division 2, subdivision).
Class III Malocclusion (Mesioclusion)
Mesial (anterior) relationship of the lower first molar to the upper, a retruded relationship of the upper first molar to the lower, or a combination of the two. The mesiobuccal cusp of the upper first molar will typically occlude near the embrasure between the lower first and second molars.
Calculus
A hard deposit that forms when you do not brush your teeth enough, causing the plaque to harden. Calculus is also known as tartar.
Chain
A stretchable plastic chain used to hold arch wires into brackets and to move teeth.
Crossbite
An abnormal relationship of a tooth or teeth to the opposing teeth, in which normal buccolingual or labiolingual relationships are reversed.
Crowding
Dental malalignment caused by inadequate space for the teeth.
Deep Bite
Excessive overbite; closed bite.
E-Arch
"Expansion" Arch placed in the lingual arch. It has gentle spring that stimulates the development of the bony process in which the teeth are-instead of splitting the palate. This device creates more space for the teeth.
Early Orthodontic Treatment
Orthodontic treatment started while patient is still in transitional or primary dentition.
Elastics (rubber bands)
Variously used as Class II elastics, Class III elastics, Diagonal elastics, Up-down (vertical) elastics and cross-elastics. Usually made of latex.
Equilibrate
Reshaping the occlusal (functional) surfaces of the teeth to alter the functional relationship; redistributing and balancing the functional load.
Etch
The application of a weak acidic solution to the labial or lingual surfaces of teeth as part of the preparation for bonding orthodontic attachments to the teeth.
Facebow
In conjunction with extraoral traction anchored on the back of the head or neck, a long metal bow which inserts intraorally into an orthodontic appliance. Generally used to move teeth or bones posteriorly or prevent their forward movement.
Forsus Appliance
This is a fixed appliance that moves the upper molars back and the lower arch forward.
Finger Spring
A configured segment of wire that may be included in an orthodontic appliance or a retainer to, when activated, tip a tooth in a desired direction.
Fränkel appliance
An activator type functionalappliance intended to stimulate or inhibit jaw growth, retrain muscles or widen the dental arches.
Frenectomy
The surgical removal or repositioning of a frenum. Performed to enhance the stability of a corrected diastema or to alleviate a tongue-tie.
Frenum
A fold of mucous membrane and underlying fibrous tissue connecting lip, cheek or tongue to the alveolar mucosa. (May be labial or lingual.)
Gingival Graft
A surgical procedure usually performed to establish an adequate amount of attached gingiva around a tooth or group of teeth.
Gingival Attachment
The fibrous attachment of the gingiva to the teeth.
Gingival Recession
Shifting of gingival margin apically exposing part of the root of the tooth.
Gingivitis
Inflammation of the gingiva.
Habit
In dentistry a term applied in a negative sense to frequently repeated activity such as finger or lip sucking or tongue thrusting. Such activity may alter the normal development of the teeth or bones.
Habit Therapy
Treatment designed to prevent potentially deforming finger, lip or tongue habits and/or correct a malformation of the teeth or bones caused by a habit. Treatment might occur by counseling or by appliance therapy or both.
Habitual Occlusion
The usual intercuspation position of the teeth which may or may not coincide with centric occlusion or centric relation.
Functional Appliance
Any device, removable or fixed, designed primarily to effect skeletal and/or dental changes by modifying and utilizing the neuromuscular forces of the stomatognathic system (i.e., activator, bionator).
Impression
A negative image of a tooth or dental arch. An impression is produced by placing an elastic compound like alginate in a preformed tray and inserting the tray into the mouth around the teeth until the compound stiffens. The impression is removed from the mouth and filled with plaster to produce an exact positive reproduction of the teeth or dental arch.
Interceptive Orthodontic Treatment/Pre-Treatment
Orthodontic treatment usually started at age 5-7. The objective of interceptive orthodontic treatment is to correct what would become severe orthodontic deformities by working with earlier growth spurts. This treatment is often less painful, less costly and most importantly, a gentler, more natural manner of treatment.
Interproximal Stripping/Discing
The reduction of the enamel of the teeth on both sides of the tooth. This procedure is performed to create space for crowded teeth.
Frankel Appliance
A removable functional appliance used to correct growth deformities in young children.
Frenum
Small pieces of pink colored skin that attach your lips, cheeks and tongue to your mouth. Examples include the piece of skin under your tongue which sticks out when you pick up your tongue, and the piece of skin which sticks out when you pull out your lips.
Impacted Tooth
An unerupted tooth that somehow has gotten stuck and cannot come in.
Impressions
The first step in making a model of your teeth. A container filled with alginate is pressed against your teeth and the alginate hardens to produce a mold.
Limited Treatment
Orthodontic treatment with a limited objective, not involving the entire dentition. It may be directed at the only existing problem, or at only one aspect of a larger problem in which a decision is made to defer or forego more comprehensive therapy.
Lingual
Of or pertaining to the tongue. A term used to describe surfaces and directions toward the tongue.
Lingual arch
A single orthodontic wire usually located in the lower arch traversing the lingual surfaces of the teeth usually from molar to molar. Generally used for stabilization, as a holding arch for space maintenance, for expansion, or to provide anchorage for intermaxillary traction.
Lip Bumper
An appliance designed to eliminate excessive lip pressure on the anterior teeth and transfer that force to the molars. Typically consists of a labial archwire with or without an anterior plastic pad, fitted into tubes on the molars. The treatment objectives are to allow incisors to move forward and to distalize the molars, increasing the arch length.
Locked Growth
Skeletal deformities that prevent normal growth from occurring in the jaws.
Mandibular
Pertaining to your lower jaw.
Maxillary
Pertaining to your upper jaw.
Midline
A plane through the very center of your mouth perpendicular to your nose.
Nightguard
A removable plastic appliance worn at night to prevent deleterious effects of nocturnal parafunctional activity (i.e., clenching, bruxism). See mouthguard.
Ortho
A prefix denoting straight or correct.
Orthodontic (orthopedic)
Relating to correction of abnormal dental relationships, including facial structures and neuromuscular abnormalities.
Orthodontic Attachment
The element affixed to the tooth crown that transmits force from the arch wire or auxiliary to the dentition (e.g., a bracket).
Orthodontic Displacement
Tooth movement achieved through biomechanical remodeling of the periodontal ligament and/or the alveolar bone.
Orthodontic Force
Force generated by the orthodontic appliance that contributes to the correction of a malocclusion.
Orthodontics/dentofacial orthopedics
That dental specialty which includes the diagnosis, prevention, interception, guidance and correction of malrelationships of the developing or mature orofacial structures.
Orthodontist
A dental specialist who has completed an advanced post-doctoral course, accredited by the American Dental Association of at least two academic years in the special area of orthodontics.
Orthognathic
Normal relationships of the jaws.
Orthognathic Surgery
Surgery to alter relationships of teeth and/or supporting bones, usually accomplished in conjunction with orthodontic therapy.
Orthopedic
Correction of abnormal form or relationship of bone structures. May be accomplished surgically (orthopedic surgery) or by the application of appliances to stimulate changes in the bone structure by natural physiologic response (orthopedic therapy).
Open bite
A malocclusion in which some teeth cannot be brought into contact with opposing teeth.
Overbite
Vertical overlapping of upper teeth over lower teeth, usually measured perpendicular to the occlusal plane.
Overjet
Horizontal projection of upper teeth beyond the lower teeth, usually measured parallel to the occlusal plane. When not otherwise specified, the term is generally assumed to refer to central incisors and is measured from the labial surface of the lower tooth to the lingual surface of the upper at the level of the edge of the upper incisor. Unique conditions may sometimes require other measuring techniques.
Palate
The bone and soft tissue closing the space encompassed by the upper alveolar arch, with a posterior extension to the pharynx. Forms the roof of the mouth and is connected to the nasal septum and floor of the nose in the midline.
Hard Palate
The anterior part of the palate that is supported by and includes the palatal extensions of the maxillary and palatine bones.
Soft Palate
The part of the palate lying posterior to the hard palate, composed only of soft tissues without underlying bony support.
Plaque
A colorless, odorless, sticky substance containing acids and bacteria that causes tooth decay and recession of the gums.
Positioner
A removable appliance used to complete orthodontic treatment after the braces have been removed.
Quadhelix
A "W" shaped fixed or removable maxillary expansion lingual arch incorporating four helices. Usually attached to the maxillary first molar teeth.
Retainer
Any orthodontic appliance, fixed or removable, used to maintain the position of the teeth following corrective treatment.
Retention
The passive treatment period following active orthodontic correction during which retaining appliances may be used.
Retraction
Pertaining to desired posteriorly directed, orthodontic or orthopedic displacements of teeth or of bones of the face.
Relief Wax
A clear wax used to prevent your braces from irritating your lips, cheeks and tongue.
Root
That part of the tooth not covered by enamel, normally lying within the alveolus where it is attached to the bone by the periodontal membrane (ligament).
Root Movement
The transverse tooth movement characterized by little displacement of the crown and the center of rotation located on the long axis and at or near bracket level.
Root Resorption
Resorption of a part of the root of a tooth. May be either internal (pulpal) or external.
Rotation
Can occur around any axis. Orthodontic rotation usually refers to motion around the long axis of the tooth.
Separator
A plastic or metal part which the orthodontist uses to create space between your teeth for bands.
Sleep apnea
The temporary stoppage of breathing during sleep, often resulting in daytime sleepiness. Apnea is a Greek word that means "want of breath."
Space Maintainer
A prosthetic replacement for prematurely lost primary teeth intended to prevent closure of the space before eruption of the permanent successors. Often an urgent necessity in the buccal segment to prevent impaction of the permanent teeth and other complications.
Splint
A hard plastic removable appliance used to treat the pain involved in TMJ dysfunction and myofacial (face muscle) pain and headaches.
Ties (o-rings)
A small colored or clear plastic piece, shaped like a donut, which is used to hold the arch wires in the brackets on your teeth.
TMJ (Temporomandibular Joint)
One of the two paired articulations between the temporal bones of the skull and the mandible; the condylar process of the mandible articulates on the eminence of the glenoid fossa of the temporal bone.
Therapeutic Diagnosis
An assessment of the objectives and available methods of treatment in light of conditions existing in the individual patient.
Tongue Diverter
A removable appliance that diverts the tongue into the correct resting position.
Tongue Thrust
Interposition of the tongue between the anterior teeth, especially in the initial stage of swallowing. This action, often combined with a resting position also between the teeth, can inhibit normal eruption and so produce an open bite.
Utility Arch
Similar to a step-down or by-pass arch, used in the edgewise technique to upright molars and depress anterior teeth, developed by R. Ricketts.
Wax
A clear wax used to prevent your braces from irritating your lips, cheeks and tongue.
