Orthodontic Dictionary
- Appliance
- A device that assists in the straightening of teeth. Examples are braces, Invisalign, and retainers.
- Archwire
- The wire that extends through each bracket slot in braces.
- Band
- A metal device that wraps around the tooth to hold a bracket or tube in place.
- Bite Turbo
- A small orthodontic device placed on the back of the upper front teeth to prevent full closure of the teeth.
- Bonding
- The technique of attaching an orthodontic device directly to the enamel of the tooth with the use of adhesive.
- Bracket
- The metal device (also referred to as a brace) for fastening the archwire to the tooth or band.
- Coil Spring
- A spring that fits between the bracket and the archwire to open space between teeth.
- Elastic
- A small rubber band that attaches to the braces to exert force on teeth to facilitate movement.
- Elastic Tie
- A small rubber band that encircles the bracket to seat the archwire in the bracket slot.
- Forsus
- A device used to improve the placement of the bite or jaw.
- Herbst Appliance
- A device that corrects overbite by holding the lower jaw in a protrusive position.
- Hook
- A small device to which elastics or other auxiliary devices are attached.
- iBraces
- A type of braces that are placed behind teeth so that no one can see them. Also known as Incognito braces.
- Invisalign
- A type of treatment that uses a series of clear plastic aligners, similar to clear retainers, to gradually move teeth.
- Ligature
- A wire used to tie a tooth to an orthodontic appliance or another tooth.
- Mouth Guard
- A tooth or gum shield worn by patients (athletes) to prevent injuries.
- Palatal Expander
- A device used to widen the upper jaw so that the upper and lower teeth will fit together.
