Archwire
This is the main wire that fits into the brackets and bands on your teeth.  The archwire is held in place to your braces by elastic ties, or small metal ties.  The archwire is the track along which your teeth move.

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.

Crossbite
Upper teeth should fit slightly on the outside of the lower teeth.  When a lower tooth slips to the outside of an upper tooth that is called a crossbite.

Crowding
Dental malalignment caused by inadequate space for the teeth.

Debanding
The removal of cemented orthodontic bands.

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
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.

Malocclusion
A malocclusion is teeth that are chewing in a poor relationship with each other.  This is the basic reason we have gone into orthodontic care for you.

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

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

Orthognathic Surgery
Surgery to alter relationships of teeth and/or supporting bones, usually accomplished in conjunction with orthodontic therapy.

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

Overjet
Horizontal overlapping of the upper teeth over the lower 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.

Retainers
Retainers are removable plastic appliances that we place when your permanent braces are removed.  They are used to hold teeth or retain them, in a certain position.

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

Separators/ Spacers
Small elastic rings that are placed between teeth to create room to place a band around a tooth.  It may feel as if you have a piece of meat caught between your teeth.  This sensation passes quickly as your teeth move apart.

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.

Ties
Little colored elastic rings that are used to hold the archwire into the brackets.