Orthodontic Info

What is Orthodontics?

Orthodontics is a branch of dentistry that specializes in the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of dental and facial irregularities. The technical term for these problems is “malocclusion,” which means “bad bite.”

Orthodontics is one of the 8 specialties recognized by the American Dental Association. The practice of orthodontics involves the design, application and control of corrective appliances (braces) to bring teeth, lips and jaws into proper alignment and achieve facial balance.

The first professional organization for orthodontists, the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO), was founded in 1900. It holds the largest yearly gathering of orthodontists in the world, in association with the International Orthodontic Congress and the World Federation of Orthodontists. Some 9,000 dental specialists attend this annual meeting to learn the latest orthodontic treatments.

Common orthodontic terms and definitions

Archwire
A wire engaged in orthodontics 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.

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.

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.

Lingual appliances
Orthodontic appliances fixed to the lingual surface of the teeth.

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

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

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.

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.

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.