Glossary
Orthodontic Glossary
Our glossary provides clear definitions of common orthodontic terms. Become a more informed patient at [practice_name].
Explore our dental dictionary to learn about common Orthodontic terms. If you have any other questions or would like to schedule an appointment, we would love to hear from you.
- Braces
- Fixed orthodontic appliances consisting of brackets, bands, and wires that are attached to the teeth to move them into proper alignment.
- Clear Aligners
- Transparent, removable orthodontic appliances that gradually straighten teeth.
- Invisalign
- A popular brand of clear aligners.
- Lingual Braces
- Braces that are attached to the back (tongue side) of the teeth.
- Retainers
- Removable or fixed appliances worn after orthodontic treatment to maintain the new tooth position.
- Archwire
- A metal wire that is attached to the brackets and guides the teeth into their new alignment.
- Bands
- Metal rings that are cemented around the back teeth (molars) to provide anchorage for the appliance.
- Brackets
- Small attachments that are bonded to the teeth and hold the archwire in place.
- Cephalometric X-ray
- An X-ray of the head that shows the relationship between the teeth, jaws, and skull.
- Elastic Ties (Ligatures)
- Small rubber bands or thin wires that hold the archwire in the bracket slots.
- Interproximal Reduction (IPR)
- Removing a small amount of enamel between teeth to create space for alignment.
- Malocclusion
- Misalignment of the teeth or jaws.
- Occlusion
- The way the upper and lower teeth fit together when the mouth is closed.
- Orthodontist
- A dentist who specializes in the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of dental and facial irregularities.
- Panoramic X-ray
- An X-ray that provides a wide view of the entire mouth, including the teeth, jawbones, and sinuses.
- Retention
- The period after active orthodontic treatment when retainers are worn to maintain the new tooth position.
- Crowding
- When there is not enough space in the jaw for all the teeth to align properly.
- Crossbite
- When the upper teeth bite inside the lower teeth.
- Open Bite
- When the upper and lower front teeth do not overlap when the mouth is closed.
- Overbite
- When the upper front teeth overlap the lower front teeth excessively.
- Overjet
- When the upper front teeth protrude horizontally over the lower front teeth.
- Spacing
- Gaps or spaces between teeth.
- Underbite
- When the lower front teeth protrude in front of the upper front teeth.