Orthodontic Glossary

Our orthodontic glossary is a definition of terms used on our website and in dentistry and orthodontics. Please click on a link below to go directly to that section of the glossary.

A

Alveolar bone: The jaw bone that anchors the roots of teeth.
ADA: The American Dental Association.
AAO: The American Association of Orthodontists.
Anaerobic bacteria: Bacteria that do not need oxygen to grow and multiply.
Anesthesia: The partial or complete elimination of pain sensation. In dentistry we use local and general anesthesia. Numbing a tooth is an example of local anesthesia. Partial or complete unconsciousness is an example of general anesthesia.
Antibiotic: A drug that stops or slows the growth of bacteria.
Antiseptic: A chemical agent which can be applied to living tissues to destroy germs.
Anterior teeth: The front six teeth, which are also referred to collectively as incisors and cuspids.
Apex: The tip of the root of a tooth.
Apicoectomy: A surgical root canal treatment used to seal the tip of a root when conventional root canal treatment has failed or is contraindicated.
Aphthous ulcer: See Canker sore.
Appliance: A device an orthodontist fastens to the patient’s teeth which can move the position of teeth or align the jaws.
Arch: The upper or lower jaw.
Archwire: A wire that fits into the brackets and the bands, which produces a force to straighten the teeth.

B

Baby teeth: The first set of teeth a human is born with. Also known as deciduous teeth and primary teeth.
Band: A thin ring of metal cemented to teeth, which orthodontic attachments can be attached to.
Bicuspids: Also known as pre-molars, these teeth are behind the cuspids and in front of the molars. They typically have either one or two roots, with two cusps, and are used for chewing.
Bifurcation: The juncture where the roots of teeth split into two roots.
Biopsy: The removal of a small piece of tissue for microscopic examination.
Bite: The relationship of the upper and lower teeth on closure, which is also referred to as occlusion.
Bitewings: A type of x-ray used to help diagnose cavities between the back teeth.
Bone graft: Surgical replacement of bone in preparation for a dental implant or to cosmetically replace missing bone.
Bond: Orthodontic adhesive to hold the brackets in place.
Bruxism: A habitual clenching or grinding of the teeth that typically occurs during sleep.
Buccal: The tooth surface which is next to the cheek. Usually only posterior teeth touch the cheek, so people usually use the term “buccal” only when talking about the back teeth.

C

Canines: The third tooth from the center. Also known as a cuspid.
Canker sore: A small ulceration appearing whitish, often with a red halo, that can last from ten to fourteen days.
Caries: Another name for a cavity (tooth decay).
Cephalometic X-ray: An X-ray done for the purpose of viewing a patient’s bones of the head, jaw, and face to view the alignment of the teeth and jaws.
Cleft lip: An abnormality in which the lip does not completely form. The degree of the cleft lip can vary greatly, from mild (notching of the lip) to severe (large opening from the lip up through the nose).
Cleft palate: Occurs when the roof of the mouth does not completely close, leaving an opening that can extend into the nasal cavity. The cleft may involve either side of the palate. It can extend from the front of the mouth (hard palate) to the throat (soft palate). The cleft may also include the lip.
Clenching: The habit of consciously or subconsciously squeezing the teeth together with extraordinary muscle force. See Bruxism.
Closed bite: A malocclusion where the upper teeth cover the lower teeth when bitting down. This is also called a “deep bite.”
Coil Spring: A spiral part that is fitted to the brackets and the archwire. It creates space between the teeth it is attached to.
Congenital: Present at birth.
Consultation: A meeting held with an orthodontist to assess the condition and to discuss the treatment required for the problem.
Cosmetic recontouring: A cosmetic procedure to shape the natural teeth to make them straighter or more youthful.
Craniofacial: Pertaining to the head (skull) and face.
Crossbite: A malocclusion where some of the upper teeth are inside of the lower teeth when a person bites down.
Crowding: An orthodontic problem caused by having too many teeth in too small of a space.
Cusps: The highest point on the chewing surfaces of the back teeth (posterior teeth).
Cuspid: The third tooth from the center of the mouth. These are part of the anterior group. Also known as a canine tooth.

D

DDS: Doctor of Dental Surgery. Equivalent to a DMD degree with the only difference based upon the degree awarded by the school the doctor attended.
Debanding: The process of removing orthodontic bands from a patient’s mouth.
Debonding: A process in which brackets are removed from the patient’s teeth.
Decalcification; The loss of calcium from teeth. This weakens the teeth and makes them more susceptible to decay.
Decay: Destruction of tooth structure caused by toxins produced by bacteria.
Deciduous teeth: The first set of teeth a human is born with. Also known as baby teeth and primary teeth.
Dentin: The layer of tooth structure under the enamel. This layer is highly sensitive.
Dentition: The arrangement of natural or artificial teeth in the mouth.
Diagnosis: The process of identifying the nature of a disorder, disease or condition.
Diastema: A space between two teeth.
Digital X-rays: A computer technology whereby radiographs are seen immediately after exposure on the computer screen. No developing or waiting is necessary. They can be magnified, colorized, and have their density manipulated for greater information. The radiation exposure necessary is about 90 percent less than that of conventional dental radiographs, which are already quite low.
Disinfectant: A chemical agent that is applied onto inanimate surfaces, for example chairs, to destroy germs.
Disinfection: A cleaning process which destroys most microorganisms, but not highly resistant forms such as bacterial spores or the AIDS virus.
Distal: Towards the back of the mouth. For example you would say that the lateral is distal to the central.
DMD: Doctor of Medical Dentistry. Equivalent to a DDS degree with the only difference based upon the degree awarded by the school the doctor attended.

E

Elastic (Rubber Band): A stretchable band that can be hooked to braces and provide a force to reposition the teeth correctly.
Elastic Tie: The small rubber band used to secure the archwire by fitting it around the bracket. Elastic ties are available in a wide variety of colors.
Enamel: The hard, white outer layer of the tooth that covers and protects the dentin.
Eruption: Process of teeth protruding through the gums and appearing in the mouth.
Exfoliate: Means to fall out. The deciduous (baby) teeth exfoliate and permanent teeth erupt into their space.
Extraoral: Outside of the mouth.
Extraction: The removal of a tooth.
Extrusion: Tooth movement in the direction of eruption. The two types are; Mechanical extrusion: to move teeth with an applied force so that they extend farther out of the gums. Natural extrusion: teeth naturally extrude from the bone until there is contact with another tooth.

F

Filtrum: The dimple or indentation under the nose directly above the upper lip.
Fluoride: A natural element found commonly in nature in water, soil, air, and in a lot of foods. Fluoride is absorbed easily into the teeth’s enamel to help protect the teeth from tooth eating bacteria. It can be used as a topical such as in fluoridated toothpastes and gels or it can be absorbed systemically such as in fluoridated water, soft drinks, teas, and dietary supplements. The systemic fluoride that is retained by the body is absorbed by bones and teeth.
Fluorosis: A harmless cosmetic discoloring of the enamel, which appears as chalky white specks and lines or pitted and brown stained enamel on teeth.
Fixed appliance: Any appliance that is cemented or bonded to the teeth.
Freeway space: The distance between the upper and lower teeth with the lower jaw in rest position, which is typically the position immediately after swallowing.
Frenectomy: The removal or reshaping of thin muscle tissue that attaches the upper or lower lips to the gum, or the tongue to the floor of the mouth.
Frenum: Small pieces of pink colored skin that attach the lips, cheeks and tongue to the mouth. Examples include the piece of skin under the tongue, which sticks out when the tongue is lifted, and the piece of skin which sticks out when the lips are pulled out.
Full mouth x-rays: X-rays showing all the teeth. This provides vision between the teeth as well as the entire roots of teeth. Also known as a complete series.

G

Genioplasty: Surgery of the chin, whereby its shape or size is altered.
General anesthesia: True general anesthesia is a deep state, and includes the loss of all reflexes and sometimes requires respiratory assistance. This state is rarely necessary for general dental procedures as all the most fearful patient wants is no pain, no consciousness of the procedures and no memory of the experience.
Gingiva: Gum tissue, which is pink and firm when it is healthy.
Gingival hypertrophy: The abnormal enlargement of the gingiva surrounding the teeth caused by poor oral hygiene or some medications.
Gingivectomy: The surgical removal of gum tissue.
Gingivitis: Inflammation of the gum tissue. Gingivitis is caused by the bacteria found in plaque that attack the gums. Symptoms of gingivitis include red, puffy gums and/or bleeding gums. When gingivitis is not treated, it can advance to periodontitis.
Gingivoplasty: The reshaping of gum contours, often for esthetic purposes. Generally very easy and non-painful, it is often a good solution for a “gummy smile.”
Guided tissue regeneration: A technique for replacing lost bone tissue.
Gum disease: See gingivitis and periodontal disease.
Gum recession: Exposure of dental roots due to shrinkage of the gums as a result of abrasion, periodontal disease or surgery.

H

Halitosis: Bad breath of oral or gastrointestinal origin.
Hard palate: The roof of the mouth.
Headgear: An orthodontic appliance that restricts jaw growth and helps to correct bite problems. It is a removable appliance and is worn by aid of a strap which is fitted around the head or the neck.
Headgear Tube: A hollow tube attachment of the headgear to which the inner bands are fitted into.
Hematoma: Swelling of effused blood beneath the tissue surface.
High lip line: Where the widest smile meets the gum tissue above the teeth.
Hook: An orthodontic appliance that helps to create an anchor for elastics and coil springs. Hooks are often connected to the archwire or bands.
Hygienist: Dental professional who cleans teeth and provides patient education. They can administer local anesthetic, nitrous oxide, and perform periodontal scaling.
Hyperemia: Increased blood flow; may cause dental sensitivity to temperature and sweets, and may precede an abscess.

I

Impaction: An unerupted or partially erupted tooth that is stuck in bone because it is obstructed by bone or another tooth.
Implant: Artificial tooth roots that are placed into bone to mimic the root structure of a tooth. They can be used to replace teeth or to support and retain dentures. A crown, bridge, or denture is then placed over the implant to restore natural tooth function.
Incisal: The biting edge of the centrals and laterals.
Incisor: The central or lateral front teeth with cutting edges. There are four upper (central and lateral) and four lower (central and lateral).
Impression: Mold made of the teeth and/or soft tissues. Stone is then poured into the molds to create study models, which are a duplication of the patient’s teeth. The treatment plan of the patient is made after close studying of these study models.
Infiltration: Local anesthetic procedure effective for upper teeth and soft tissue. Placement of anesthetic is under the gum tissue.
Interproximal: The space between two teeth.
Intraoral: Inside the mouth.
Intraoral camera: A small camera used to view and magnify oral conditions.
Intrusion: Movement of a tooth back into the bone.
IV Sedation: An anesthetic technique sometimes referred to as “twilight sleep” that is lighter than general anesthesia. Provides pain control and prevents patients from remembering the procedure.

J

Jaw: The bone that teeth are affixed to.

Orthodontic Glossary

Orthodontic Glossary

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