Welcome to our Orthodontic Dictionary
Understanding the terminology used in orthodontics can help you better comprehend your treatment process and communicate effectively with Dr. Rajasekaran and our team. Below, you’ll find a comprehensive list of common orthodontic terms:
A:
Alignment: The process of straightening teeth to improve their appearance and function.
Archwire: A thin metal wire that is attached to brackets and used to apply pressure to move teeth during orthodontic treatment.
Arch, dental: The curved composite structure of the natural dentition and the residual ridge, or the remains thereof, after the loss of some or all of the natural teeth.
Abscess: Acute or chronic localized inflammation, probably with a collection of pus, associated with tissue destruction and, frequently, swelling; usually secondary to infection.
Acid etching: Use of an acidic chemical substance to prepare the tooth enamel and or dentin surface to provide retention for bonding.
Attachment: A mechanical device for the fixation, retention, and stabilization of a prosthesis.
B:
Braces: Orthodontic appliances consisting of brackets, bands, and wires used to straighten and align teeth.
Bruxism: The parafunctional grinding of the teeth.
Bonding: Process by which two or more components are made integral by mechanical and/or chemical adhesion at their interface.
Bicuspid: A premolar tooth; a tooth with two cusps.
Bilateral: Occurring on, or pertaining to, both right and left sides.
C:
Cephalometric X-ray: A type of dental X-ray used to assess the relationship between the teeth, jaws, and facial structures.
Crossbite: A condition where one or more teeth are misaligned in relation to the opposing teeth, either inside or outside the dental arch.
Cusp: Pointed or rounded eminence on or near the masticating surface of a tooth.
Consultation: In a dental setting, a diagnostic service provided by a dentist where the dentist, patient, or other parties (e.g., another dentist, physician, or legal guardian) discuss the patient’s dental needs and proposed treatment modalities.
Caries: Commonly used term for tooth decay.
D:
Dentition: The teeth in the dental arch.
Deciduous: Having the property of falling off or shedding; a term used to describe the primary teeth.
Dental Impressions: Molds or imprints of the teeth and surrounding tissues used to create custom orthodontic appliances.
Diastema: A space, such as one between two adjacent teeth in the same dental arch.
Diagnostic cast: A replica of teeth and adjoining tissues created digitally or by a casting process (e.g., plaster into an impression). “Study model” is another term used for such a replica. Diagnostic casts have various uses, most often the examination of relationships between oral tissues to determine how those relationships will affect form and function of a dental restoration or appliance being planned or to determine whether tissue treatment or modification might be necessary before a pre-definitive impression is taken to ensure optimal performance of the planned restoration or appliance.
E:
Elastics (Rubber Bands): Small rubber bands used in conjunction with braces to apply additional force to move teeth into proper alignment.
Extraction: The process or act of removing a tooth or tooth parts.
Edentulous: Without teeth.
Equilibration: Reshaping of the occlusal surfaces of teeth to create harmonious contact relationships between the upper and lower teeth; also known as occlusal adjustment.
F:
Fixed Retainer: A permanent orthodontic appliance bonded to the back of teeth to maintain their alignment after braces are removed.
Forsus – The Forsus appliance is a fixed functional appliance used in orthodontics to correct overbites and align the upper and lower jaws. It consists of springs and rods that apply continuous but gentle force to move the lower jaw forward and correct the bite relationship. The Forsus appliance is typically attached to braces and is designed to be non-removable during the treatment period, promoting effective bite correction over time.
G:
Gingiva: Soft tissues overlying the crowns of unerupted teeth and encircling the necks of those that have erupted.
Gingivitis: Inflammation of the gums often caused by plaque buildup and poor oral hygiene.
H:
Headgear: An orthodontic appliance worn outside the mouth to apply force to the upper jaw and teeth, typically used to correct overbites or underbites.
I:
Impacted Tooth: A tooth that fails to erupt properly and remains partially or fully submerged in the jawbone.
Interproximal: Between the adjoining surfaces of adjacent teeth in the same arch.
incisal: Pertaining to the biting edges of the incisor and cuspid teeth.
J:
Jaw Malocclusion: Misalignment of the upper and lower jaws, resulting in an improper bite.
K:
Keratinized Gingiva: The tough, outer layer of gum tissue that protects the underlying tissues and teeth.
L:
Ligating Module: Small rubber bands used to hold archwires in place on brackets.
lingual: Pertaining to or around the tongue; surface of the tooth directed toward the tongue; opposite of facial.
M:
Malocclusion: A misalignment of the teeth or jaws that affects the bite.
Maxilla: The upper jaw.
Mandible: The lower jaw.
Mouthguard: Individually molded device designed primarily to be worn for the purpose of helping prevent injury to the teeth and their surrounding tissues. Sometimes called a mouth protector.
N:
Non-Extraction Orthodontics: Orthodontic treatment that aims to align teeth without the need for removing any permanent teeth.
O:
Overjet: The horizontal overlap between the upper and lower front teeth.
occlusal: Pertaining to the biting surfaces of the premolar and molar teeth or contacting surfaces of opposing teeth or opposing occlusion rims.
Overbite: An overbite is a type of malocclusion (“bad bite”). It occurs when your upper teeth overlap your lower teeth more than they should.
P:
PAN – panoramic radiograph: An extraoral projection whereby the entire mandible, maxilla, teeth and other nearby structures are portrayed on a single image, as if the jaws were flattened out.
Palate Expander: An orthodontic appliance used to widen the upper jaw to create more space for crowded teeth.
Q:
Quadrant: One of the four sections of the mouth, divided by an imaginary line running vertically down the center of the face and horizontally through the mouth.
R:
Retainer: An orthodontic appliance worn after braces are removed to maintain the position of the teeth.
Radiograph: An image or picture produced on a radiation sensitive film, phosphorous plate, emulsion or digital sensor by exposure to ionizing radiation.
S:
Space Maintainer: An orthodontic appliance used to preserve space in the dental arch for permanent teeth that have not yet erupted.
Supernumerary teeth: Extra erupted or unerupted teeth that resemble teeth of normal shape.
T:
Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ): The joint that connects the jawbone to the skull, allowing for movement of the jaw.
Temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMD or TMJD): Abnormal functioning of temporomandibular joint; also refers to symptoms arising in other areas secondary to the dysfunction.
U:
Underbite: A type of malocclusion where the lower teeth protrude beyond the upper teeth when the jaw is closed.
Unilateral: One-sided; pertaining to or affecting but one side.
V:
Veneers: Thin shells of porcelain or composite resin bonded to the front surface of teeth to improve their appearance.
W:
Wax: Orthodontic wax used to alleviate irritation or discomfort caused by braces or other orthodontic appliances.
X:
X-rays: Diagnostic images used by orthodontists to assess the alignment of teeth, jaws, and facial structures.
Y:
Yawning: A natural reflex involving the opening of the mouth and inhalation of air, often used during orthodontic examinations to assess jaw movement.
Z:
Zygomatic bone: Quadrangular bone on either side of face that forms the cheek prominence.