Appliance
A fixed or removable device which the orthodontist uses to change the position of teeth or jaws
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Arch Wire
A wire which is attached to brackets to move teeth to their correct position
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Arch
The ensemble of teeth in either jaw in a horseshoe shape
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Banding
The process of cementing orthodontic bands to the teeth
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Bonding
The process of attaching brackets to the teeth using a special glue
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Braces
Appliances used to move teeth and jaws into the correct position
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Bracket
A metal, ceramic or porcelain attachment that is glued to a tooth and serves as a means of fastening the arch wire
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Caries
Dental decay resulting from the action of bacteria on sugary foods
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Class I malocclusion
The teeth are mis-aligned and irregular but the underlying jaws are in normal positions
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Class II malocclusion
The upper jaw and teeth protrude relative to the lower jaw and teeth. The teeth may also be irregular
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Class III malocclusion
The lower jaw and teeth protrude relative to the upper jaw and teeth. The teeth may also be irregular
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Cross Bite
A malocclusion where the upper teeth bite inside the lower teeth
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Crowding
A malocclusion caused by insufficient space for the teeth
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Debonding
Removal of brackets from the teeth
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Diastema
A gap between two teeth, usually at the front of the mouth
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Disclosing tablets
Food dye used to stain plaque and deposits on the teeth as an aid to tooth brushing
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Enamel
The hard calcified tissue which covers the dentine of the crown portion of a tooth. Enamel is the hardest tissue in the human body
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Erosion
A defect in the surface of a tooth, usually the result of the chemical action of acids in fizzy drinks
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Fixed Appliance
Any orthodontic component that is cemented or bonded to the teeth and needs careful adjustment and monitoring
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Fraenum
A piece of fleshy gum which is attached to the upper lip, the lower lip, or the tongue
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Functional Appliance
A special appliance which is worn on the upper and lower teeth to change the way the teeth and jaws bite together
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Impacted tooth
A tooth that is embedded in the jaw and is prevented from erupting normally
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Occlusion
The meeting together of the upper and lower teeth and jaws
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Overbite
The vertical overlap of the upper over the lower teeth
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Overjet
The horizontal overlap of the upper teeth over the lower teeth
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Panoramic X-ray
An X-ray taken by a machine that rotates around the head. It shows all the teeth in one X-ray
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Radiograph
A photograph using X-rays which shows the teeth and jaws
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Retainer
A fixed or removable appliance for maintaining the positions of the teeth and jaws after orthodontic treatment
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Study Models
Plaster casts of the teeth which allow the position of the teeth and jaws to be examined
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Supernumerary
An extra tooth
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Temporomandibular Joint
The joint formed by the head of the lower jaw and the base of the skull
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Treatment Plan
An outline of the clinical steps which are to be followed in aligning the teeth and jaws to health and function
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URA
Upper Removable Appliance
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Wisdom teeth
The third molars
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X-ray
Special image taken to show the teeth and jaws
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You
The patient, the most important person in the practice
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