Parts of Braces
- 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
- Small composite platforms placed on the inside of the upper front teeth, or on the biting surfaces of the back molars, to prevent full closure of the teeth
- 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 forces 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
- 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
- Retainer
- A device, usually made of plastic and wires, to hold teeth in position after treatment
- Separator
- A device or instrument designed to wedge teeth apart, particularly teeth in tight contact. Frequently used for the examination of proximal surfaces, finishing a restoration or before banding
- Wax
- A soft, malleable substance placed on brackets to prevent rubbing or irritation
Orthodontic Procedures
- Banding
- The process of adhering bands to teeth
- Bonding
- The attachment of an orthodontic device directly to the tooth enamel
- Cephalometric X-ray
- A diagnostic tool very similar to an X-ray. This device is typically used for treatment planning
- Consultation
- The first evaluation done by an orthodontist. Typically, this is a visual assessment where the doctor identifies the treatment parameters
- Debanding/Debonding
- The process of removing orthodontic appliances from the teeth
- Impression
- A replica of teeth and oral tissue made from a thick liquid material that sets as a solid rubber mass
- Panoramic X-ray
- Wraparound photographs of teeth using an X-ray machine
