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.

Crowding
Dental malalignment caused by inadequate space for the teeth.

Debond
The removal of cemented orthodontic appliances or braces.

Dental arch
The U-shaped specialized segment of bone that holds the teeth.

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.

Gingiva (Gums)
The tissue that surrounds the teeth, consisting of a fibrous tissue that is continuous with the periodontal ligament and mucosal covering.

Headgear
Generic term for extraoral traction (attached around the back side of the head) for growth modification, tooth movement and anchorage.

Herbst appliance
Fixed or removable appliance designed commonly for overbite problems and more.

Imaging
The process of acquiring representations of structures in either two or three dimensions.

Lingual
Of or pertaining to the tongue. A term used to describe surfaces and directions toward the tongue.

Maxillary
Of or pertaining to the upper jaw. May be used to describe teeth, dental restorations, orthodontic appliances or facial structures.

Malocclusion
The term used to describe when the teeth do not meet together properly.

Mandibular
Pertaining to the lower jaw or the teeth in the lower dental arch.

Orthodontist
A dental specialist who has completed an advanced post-doctoral course, following dental school accredited by the American Dental Association, of at least two academic years in the special area of orthodontics.

Orthognathic surgery
Surgery to alter the relationships of the jaws, usually accomplished in conjunction with orthodontic treatment.

Overbite
Vertical overlapping of upper teeth over lower teeth, usually measured perpendicular to the occlusal plane.

Overjet
The horizontal (front-to-back) relationship between the upper front teeth and lower front teeth. Excess overjet describes the upper front teeth protruding too much and negative overjet describes the upper front teeth biting behind the lower front teeth.

Radiograph
A permanent image, typically on film, produced by ionizing radiation. Sometimes called an X-ray after the most common source of image-producing radiation.

Retainer
Any orthodontic appliance, fixed or removable, used to maintain the position of the teeth following corrective treatment.

Retention
The passive treatment period following active orthodontic correction during which retaining appliances may be used.



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