Orthodontic Terminology Dictionary

A

Active Treatment

The stage of orthodontic treatment when teeth are being moved and/or jaws aligned.

Advanced periodontitis

The most severe form of gum (periodontal) disease, once known as pyorrhea. It is a chronic infection of the gums caused by accumulation of plaque under the gum line. The plaque contains bacteria that produce toxins that destroy the soft tissue and bone that hold teeth in place. Pockets (spaces between the gum and the teeth) appear and deepen. Gums recede, and bone dissolves. Teeth can become loose and may have to be removed.

Aligners

Clear removable appliances that are used to straighten teeth.

Anterior

Front.

Appliances

Any device, attached to the teeth or removable, designed to move the teeth, change the position of the jaw, or hold the teeth in their finished positions after braces or aligners are removed.

Arch

Upper or lower jaw.

Archwire

The metal wire that is attached to the brackets and used to move the teeth.

Attachments

The tooth-colored “bumps” placed on teeth during clear aligner treatment.  They help move the teeth while a patient wears aligners. They are removed once treatment is complete.

B

Band

A metal ring, usually on a back tooth, that is cemented to a tooth for strength and anchorage.

Bite

How top and bottom teeth come together. Ideally, each tooth meets its opposite tooth in a way that promotes functions such as biting, chewing and speaking. A bad bite is called a malocclusion. The goal of orthodontic treatment is to create an individualized healthy bite (ability to bite, chew, speak). When teeth and jaws are in proper positions, it creates a pleasing appearance.

Braces

A word commonly used to describe a fixed orthodontic appliance, usually comprised of brackets, bands and wires.

Bracket

The small metal, ceramic, or plastic attachment bonded to each tooth with a tooth-coloured adhesive. The bracket has a slot that the orthodontic wire fits into.

Bridge

A replacement for a missing natural tooth/teeth that fills the opening between adjacent teeth. Most often, the existing adjacent teeth receive crowns and a prosthetic (false) tooth is attached to the crowns. This restores function, provides a good appearance, and maintains the shape of the face. Bridges do not last forever, eventually this will require replacement.

Brushing

Brushing the teeth is part of an individual’s daily home dental care.  Patients with braces should follow the orthodontist’s instruction on how often to brush.

Bruxism

Grinding of the teeth, usually during sleep.  Bruxism can cause abnormal tooth wear and may lead to pain in the jaw joints, facial and/or neck muscles and difficulty opening and closing the mouth.

Buccal

A term orthodontists use to describe the cheek side of the back teeth in both jaws.

Buccal Tube

A small metal part of the bracket welded to the cheek side of the molar band. The tube may hold an archwire, lip bumper, headgear facebow or other type of appliance an orthodontist may use to move the teeth.

C

Cephalometric Radiograph (CEPH)

A side view x-ray of the head.

Chain

A stretchable series of elastic o-rings connected together and placed around each bracket to hold the archwire in place and close the spaces between teeth.

Class I Malocclusion

A malocclusion in which the back molars meet properly, but the front teeth may appear to be crowded together, spaced apart, there my be an overbite, an openbite, a posterior (back) crossbite or an anterior (front) crossbite.

Class II Malocclusion

A malocclusion where the upper front teeth are protruding, or the lower teeth and/or jaw is positioned back relative to the upper teeth and/or jaw.

Class III Malocclusion

A malocclusion where the lower teeth and/or jaw is positioned ahead relative to the upper teeth and/or jaw.

Closed Bite/Deep Bite

Also known as deep overbite, this occurs when the upper front teeth overlap the bottom front teeth an excessive amount.

Comprehensive Treatment

Complete orthodontic treatment performed to correct a malocclusion.

Congenitally Missing Teeth

A genetic occurrence in which permanent teeth do not develop.

Crossbite

Upper back teeth are in crossbite if they erupt and contact inside or outside of the lower back teeth. Lower front teeth are in crossbite if they erupt in front of the upper front teeth. A crossbite can be a single tooth or groups of teeth.

Crown

1. The part of the tooth that is visible above the gums.
2. A tooth restoration placed by a dentist. A crown covers a tooth that may have had severe decay, was badly discolored, or was broken or otherwise misshapen. The crown covers the entire tooth and functions as a replacement for the natural tooth. Crowns can last for many years, but they are not permanent.

D

Decalcification

White marks on the teeth that can become cavities in the future. They are caused by poor brushing, and the consumption of sugary and acidic drinks.

Dentist

Practicing general dentists are healthcare professionals concerned with overall oral health. Dentists treat decayed teeth (fillings) and remove failed teeth (extractions). They usually provide services such as crowns, veneers or bonding to improve the appearance and function of teeth that have extensive decay, or are misshapen or broken. Dentists look for abnormalities in the mouth and teach patients how to prevent dental disease.

Diagnostic Records

The materials and information that the orthodontist needs to properly diagnose a malocclusion and plan a patient’s treatment. Diagnostic records may include a thorough patient health history, a visual examination of the teeth and supporting structures, an electronic scan or plaster models of the teeth, extraoral and intraoral photographs, as well as a panoramic and cephalometric x-rays.

E

Ectopic Eruption

Term used to describe a tooth or teeth that erupt in an abnormal position.

Elastics

Rubber bands.  During certain stages of treatment, small elastics or rubber bands are worn to provide individual tooth movement or jaw alignment.

Enamel

The hard, white outer layer of a tooth, and the hardest substance in the human body. Enamel makes it possible to bite and chew. If enamel breaks away from a tooth, or is worn away due to abnormal forces generated by a bad bite (or malocclusion), it is gone forever. Enamel does not regenerate.

Eruption

The process by which teeth enter into the mouth.

Expander

An orthodontic appliance that can widen the jaws.

Extraction

The removal of a tooth.

Extraoral Photographs

Photographs taken of the face from the front and side views.

F

Facebow

An orthodontic appliance worn with orthodontic headgear, used primarily to move the upper first molars back, creating room for crowded or protrusive front teeth. The facebow has an internal wire bow and an external wire bow.

Fixed Appliances

An orthodontic appliance that is bonded or cemented to the teeth and cannot be or should not be removed by the patient.

Flossing

An important part of daily home dental care. Flossing removes plaque and food debris from between the teeth, brackets and wires. Flossing keeps teeth and gums clean and healthy during orthodontic treatment.

Forsus Spring

An orthodontic appliance made of a fixed spring mechanism that moves the lower jaw forward, usually to correct an overjet (protruding upper teeth). It can also be used as an anchor for other types of movements.

Frenum

The tissue attachment between the lip and the tongue or the lip and the upper jaw. A large frenum can cause spacing between the front teeth or cause the tongue to be “tied.” A large frenum can also cause the gum tissue on the lower front teeth to be pulled down.

Function

Refers to biting, chewing and speaking. Teeth and jaws in their correct positions facilitate proper function.

Functional Appliances

A type of orthodontic appliance that uses jaw movement and muscle action to place selective force on the teeth and jaws. They are usually removable. They are also known as orthopedic appliances with names such as orthopedic corrector, activator, bionator, Frankel, Herbst or twin block appliances.

G

Gingiva

Soft tissue around the teeth, also known as the gums.

Gingivitis

The mildest type of gum (periodontal) disease, usually caused by poor dental hygiene that allows a build-up of plaque and subsequent inflammation in the gums . Symptoms include red and/or swollen gums, and bleeding when you brush or floss. Gingivitis can be reversed with professional treatment and good dental care at home. If left untreated it may progress to periodontitis.

Growth Modification

Placing braces or appliances to help modify and correct the growth of the jaws and teeth.

Gum Disease

Another name for periodontitis. A chronic infection of the gums that stems from a build-up of plaque (link to glossary). Also called periodontal disease. Untreated gum disease can lead to tooth loss. Patients having orthodontic treatment need to remove plaque frequently by brushing their teeth after meals/snacks and before bed, and by flossing at least once a day. There are three stages of gum disease: gingivitis, periodontitis and advanced periodontitis. Many people are unaware that they have gum disease because there is little or no pain.

Gummy Smile

Showing an excessive amount of gingival (gum) tissue above the front teeth when smiling.

H

Hawley (URA – Upper Removable Appliance)

A removable retainer made of wire and a hard plastic-like material.

Headgear 

An appliance worn outside of the mouth to provide traction for growth modification and tooth movement.

Herbst Appliance (CBJ – Cantilever Bite Jumper)

This appliance is used to move the lower jaw forward.  It can be fixed or removable. When it is fixed, it is cemented to teeth in one or both arches using stainless steel crowns. An expansion screw may be used to widen the upper jaw at the same time.

I

Impaction

A tooth that does not erupt into the mouth or only erupts partially is considered impacted.

Implant
*Not an Orthodontic procedure – However Orthodontists work with other specialists to create implants

An artificial replacement for a missing tooth/teeth. The process involves placing a metal post in the jawbone.. A crown is placed on the implant so that the patient is able to bite, chew and speak. Implants can be used to anchor a single tooth or multiple teeth. An orthodontist can create space or hold space open in the mouths of patients who may need implants to achieve good dental function. Dental implants cannot be moved by conventional orthodontic forces.

Intraoral Photographs

Photographs taken of the inside of the mouth, usually showing the biting surfaces of the teeth and sides of the mouth while biting down.

Interproximal Brush

A tiny brush used to reach between teeth, and between teeth and braces, to remove plaque and food debris.

Interproximal Reduction (IPR)

Removal of a small amount of enamel from between the teeth to reduce their width. Also known as reproximation, slenderizing, stripping, polishing, enamel reduction or selective reduction.

L

Labial

The anterior surface of the front teeth.

Ligature

A tiny rubber band, or sometimes a very thin wire, that holds the orthodontic wire in the bracket slot/brace.

Lingual

The tongue side of the teeth in both jaws.

Lip Bumper

An orthodontic appliance used to move the lower molars back and the lower front teeth forward, creating room for crowded front teeth. The lower lip muscles apply pressure to the bumper creating a force that moves the molars back.

Lip Incompetence

The inability to close the lips together at rest, usually due to protrusive front teeth or an excessively long face.

M

Malocclusion

Latin for “bad bite.” The term used in orthodontics to describe teeth that do not fit together properly.

Mandible

Lower jaw.

Maxilla

Upper jaw.

Mixed Dentition

The dental developmental stage in children (approximately ages 6-12) when they have a mix of primary (baby) and permanent teeth.

Modules

A small elastic o-ring, shaped like a donut, used to hold the archwire in the bracket.

Mouthguard

A removable device used to protect the teeth and mouth from injury caused by sporting activities. The use of a mouthguard is especially important for orthodontic patients.

N

Nightguard (Splint)

A removable appliance worn at night to help an individual minimize the damage or wear that occurs while clenching or grinding teeth during sleep.

Night Time Retainer

A removable retainer made of a clear, plastic-like material.

O

Occlusion

Latin for “bite.” In orthodontics, occlusion describes how the upper and lower teeth meet.

Open Bite

A malocclusion in which teeth do not make contact with each other. With an anterior open bite, the front teeth do not touch when the back teeth are closed together. With a posterior open bite, the back teeth do not touch when the front teeth are closed together.

Orthodontics

The specialty area of dentistry concerned with the diagnosis, supervision, guidance and correction of malocclusions. The formal name of the specialty is orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics.

Orthodontist

A specialist in the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of dental and facial irregularities.  Orthodontists are required to complete college requirements, graduate from an accredited dental school and then successfully complete a minimum of two years of full-time study at an accredited orthodontic residency program. Only those who have completed this education may call themselves “orthodontists.” Orthodontists limit their scope of practice to orthodontic treatment. Only orthodontists may be members of the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO).

Orthognathic surgery
*This procedure is performed by a maxofacial surgeon who works alongside an Orthodontist

Also called surgical orthodontics, orthognathic surgery is corrective jaw surgery performed to remedy skeletal problems that affect the ability to bite, chew and speak. Orthodontic treatment is done before and after surgery so that upper and lower teeth meet appropriately. 

Overbite

The upper front teeth excessively overlap the bottom front teeth when back teeth are closed. Also called a closed bite or deep bite.

Overjet

Protruding upper front teeth. Sometimes called buck teeth.

Oral Hygienist (OHT)

An oral hygienist provides oral hygiene assessments for patients and treatment of periodontal / gum disease. They focus on promoting oral health and the prevention of periodontal disease and gingivitis by removing tartar, plaque, and stains from your teeth and ensuring your gums are healthy too.

P

Panoramic Radiograph (OPG)

An x-ray that shows all the teeth and both jaws at once.

Palatal Expander (RME)

A fixed or removable orthodontic appliance used to make the upper jaw wider.

Periodontal Disease

A chronic infection of the gums that stems from a build-up of plaque, may times there is little or no pain Also called gum disease. Untreated gum disease can lead to tooth loss. Patients having orthodontic treatment need to remove plaque frequently by brushing their teeth after meals/snacks and before bed, and by flossing at least once a day. There are three stages of periodontal disease: gingivitis, periodontitis and advanced periodontitis.  

Periodontal Tissue

Refers to the hard and soft tissue, or supporting structures, around the teeth.

Periodontitis

A more serious form of gum (periodontal) disease as compared to gingivitis. It is a chronic infection caused by an accumulation of plaque under the gum line. The bacteria in plaque produce toxins that lead to destruction of the soft tissue and bone that hold teeth in place. Pockets (spaces between the gum and the teeth) form.  Unless treated professionally in conjunction with careful home care, the disease process will continue to break down tissues.

Phase 1 Treatment

Orthodontic treatment performed to intercept or correct a developing problem. Usually performed on younger patients that have a mixture of primary (baby) teeth and permanent teeth. Sometimes called Preventive or Interceptive treatment.

Plaque

Plaque is a colourless, sticky film which is a mixture of bacteria, food particles and saliva that constantly forms in the mouth.  Plaque combines with sugars to form an acid that endangers teeth and gums. Plaque causes cavities, white marks (decalcification) and gum disease. Plaque is removed by brushing and flossing.

Posterior

The teeth and tissues toward the back of the mouth.

Power chain

Interconnected elastic ligatures that are stretched across multiple teeth, holding the archwire to bracket slots. Orthodontists use power chains for some patients during specific times during their treatment to apply additional forces to move teeth.

Preventive Treatment

Orthodontic treatment to prevent or reduce the severity of a developing malocclusion (bad bite). Also called Interceptive or Phase I treatment.

Primary Teeth (Deciduous)

Baby teeth. Also called deciduous or milk teeth.

R

Radiograph (X-Ray)

Also called an x-ray, a radiograph is diagnostic tool that is used to see inside the body. Orthodontists take a panoramic radiographs to see a complete horizontal image of a patient’s upper and lower teeth. A cephalometric radiograph is a side view of a patient’s head.

Removable Appliance

An orthodontic appliance that can be removed from the mouth by the patient. Removable appliances are used to move teeth, align jaws and to keep teeth in their new positions when the braces are removed (retainers).

Retainer
A fixed or removable appliance worn after braces are removed or aligner therapy is complete. A retainer is fitted to upper and/or lower teeth to hold them in their finished positions. When worn as prescribed, retainers are the best tool available to minimize unwanted tooth movement after active treatment ends.

Ring Brace
A metal band that goes around your posterior molars instead of having a bracket.

S

Separators

An elastic o-ring or small wire loop placed between the teeth to create space for placement of orthodontic bands. Separators are usually placed between the teeth a week before bands are scheduled to be placed on the teeth.

Self-Ligating Brackets

Brackets that have a “door” on the front that holds the orthodontic wire to the bracket. With self-ligating brackets, an elastic ring is not needed to hold the orthodontic wire to the bracket.

Skeletal maturity

A time when an individual has stopped growing, and bones have reached their full development.

Space Maintainer

A fixed appliance used to hold space for an unerupted permanent tooth after a primary (baby) tooth has been lost prematurely, due to accident or decay.

Specialist

In dentistry, being a specialist usually requires:

• General education – completing college requirements (usually four years) followed by a four-year program (usually) leading to a BDS, MDS, MRACS, FRACS
• Specialty education – successful completion of two or more years (usually) of additional education in an accredited program in the chosen specialty area (such orthodontics in dentistry). Thus the doctor’s experience is focused on the area of specialisation

Orthodontists are the dental profession’s specialists in the field of orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics. After dental school, those who intend to be orthodontists must be accepted by, and successfully complete, an accredited orthodontic residency program lasting two years or longer. Those who attain this level of formal education may call himself/herself an orthodontist. 

Supernumerary Teeth

A genetic occurrence in which there are more teeth than the usual number. These teeth can be malformed or erupt abnormally. These teeth can also interfere with the normal pattern of tooth eruption and contribute to an orthodontic problem. Supernumerary teeth often need to be removed.

T

Temporary Anchorage Device (TADs)

A miniature surgical screw that resembles an earring stud when it is in place. Positioned in gum and bone tissue, a TAD is used as an anchor – a fixed point from which to apply the force needed to move teeth in a direction that braces alone cannot move them. The TAD is removed when it is no longer needed.

Ties

Another word for “ligature” or “ligating module.” Usually a tiny rubber band that holds the orthodontic wire in the bracket slot. These come in a variety of colors, ranging from demure to bold.

Tongue Thrust

A habit where an individual’s tongue pushes against the teeth when swallowing.  This type of force generated by the tongue can move the teeth and bone and may lead to an anterior or posterior open bite.

Tongue Thrusting Appliance

A fixed orthodontic appliance used to help a patient stop habits or undesirable tongue forces exerted on the teeth and bone that supports the teeth.

U

Underbite

The lower front teeth or jaw sit ahead of the upper front teeth or jaw. Also known as a Class III malocclusion.

V

Veneer

A thin, tooth-colored shell that is glued to the fronts of  teeth to improve their appearance. A veneer can cover up a discolored or broken tooth. Veneers cannot correct malocclusions (misaligned teeth and/or jaws). However, veneers can be easier to place and last longer after an individual has had orthodontic treatment and teeth are properly positioned.

W

Wax

Orthodontic wax is placed on the brackets or archwires to prevent them from irritating the lips or cheeks.

Wires

Also known as archwires, they are held to brackets using small elastic o-rings (rubber bands), stainless steel wire ligatures, or by a door on a self-ligating bracket. Wires are used to move the teeth.