Glossary
archwire
A wire engaged in orthodontic attachments, affixed to the crowns of two or more teeth and capable of causing or guiding tooth movement.
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.
bracket
An orthodontic attachment that is secured to a tooth (either by bonding or banding) for the purpose of engaging an archwire. Brackets can be fabricated from metal, ceramic or plastic.
ceramic brackets
Crystalline, alumina, tooth-shade or clear synthetic sapphire brackets that are aesthetically more attractive than conventional metal attachments.
elastics (rubber bands)
Used to move teeth in prescribed direction (commonly connected to molar band and upper ball hook). Found in numerous colors for better appearance.
functional appliances
Fixed or removable appliance designed commonly to help jaw growth and overbite problems in children. Some of these appliances include the Herbst, Bionator and Twin-block.
headgear
Generic term for extraoral traction (attached around the back side of the head) for growth modification, tooth movement and anchorage.
lingual appliances
Orthodontic appliances fixed to the lingual surface of the teeth. A lower lingual arch is a space maintainer for the lower teeth, keeping the molars in place.
palatal widening appliance
This appliance is placed in the roof of the mouth in order to widen the upper dental arch painlessly.
retainer
Any orthodontic appliance, fixed or removable, used to maintain the position of the teeth following corrective treatment. Teeth can move back into position if not held in their new positions, so it is very important to wear your retainer as directed.
separator
A separator is a small round plastic piece that is placed to create space between your teeth for bands.
straight wire appliance
A variation of the edgewise appliance in which brackets are angulated to minimize multiple archwire bends. Brackets and molar tubes have specific orientation in three planes of space.