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Glossary
- archwire
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A wire engaged in orthodontic attachments, affixed to the crowns of two or more teeth, and capable of causing or guiding tooth movement.
- band (orthodontic)
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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
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An orthodontic attachment that is secured to a tooth (either by bonding or banding) for the purpose of engaging an arch wire. Brackets can be fabricated from metal, ceramic, or plastic.
- ceramic brackets
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Crystalline alumina tooth-shade or clear synthetic sapphire brackets that are aesthetically more attractive than conventional metal attachments.
- crowding
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Dental malalignment caused by inadequate space for the teeth.
- debanding
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The removal of cemented orthodontic bands.
- elastics (rubber bands)
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Used to move teeth in prescribed direction (commonly connected to molar band and upper ball hook). Found in numerous colors for better appearance.
- gingiva
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The tissue that surrounds the teeth, consisting of a fibrous tissue that is continuous with the periodontal ligament and mucosal covering.
- headgear
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Generic term for extraoral traction (attached around the back side of the head) for growth modification, tooth movement, and anchorage.
- Herbst appliance
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Fixed or removable appliance designed commonly for overbite problems and more.
- imaging
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The process of acquiring representations of structures in either two or three dimensions.
- lingual
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Of or pertaining to the tongue. A term used to describe surfaces and directions toward the tongue.
- lingual appliances
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Orthodontic appliances fixed to the lingual surface of the teeth.
- maxillary
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Of or pertaining to the upper jaw. May be used to describe teeth, dental restorations, orthodontic appliances, or facial structures.
- orthodontist
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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
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Surgery to alter relationships of teeth and/or supporting bones, usually accomplished in conjunction with orthodontic therapy.
- overbite
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Vertical overlapping of upper teeth over lower teeth, usually measured perpendicular to the occlusal plane.
- radiograph
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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
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Any orthodontic appliance, fixed or removable, used to maintain the position of the teeth following corrective treatment.
- retention
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The passive treatment period following active orthodontic correction during which retaining appliances may be used.
- straight wire appliance
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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.
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