Understanding orthodontic terms can make your treatment experience more comfortable and informed. Below is a glossary of common orthodontic terms, organized by category.
Anything your orthodontist attaches to your teeth that moves your teeth or changes the shape of your jaw.
The metal wire that acts as a track to guide your teeth as they move. It is changed periodically throughout treatment as your teeth move to new positions.
A metal ring that is cemented to your tooth and goes completely around it. Bands provide a way to attach brackets to your teeth.
The seal created by orthodontic cement that holds your appliances in place.
A metal or ceramic part cemented, or bonded, to your tooth that holds the archwire in place.
A spring that fits between your brackets and over your archwire to open space between your teeth.
A small rubber band that is hooked between different points on your appliance to provide pressure to move your teeth into a new position.
The tiny rubber band that fits around your bracket to hold the archwire in place. Elastic ties come in a variety of colors.
A thin wire that holds your archwire into your bracket.
A device that protects your mouth from injury when you participate in sports or other rigorous activities.
A device used to make the upper jaw wider.
An appliance worn after braces are removed to hold teeth in their new positions. Some retainers are removable, while others are bonded to the tongue side of several teeth.
A small rubber ring placed between teeth to create space before orthodontic bands are attached.
A fine wire that is twisted around your bracket to hold the archwire in place.
Wax is used to stop braces from irritating your lips or cheeks.
The process of fitting and cementing orthodontic bands to your teeth.
The process of attaching brackets to your teeth using special orthodontic cement.
An X-ray of the head that shows the relative positions and growth of the face, jaws, and teeth.
A meeting with your orthodontist to discuss your orthodontic treatment plan.
The process of removing cemented orthodontic bands from your teeth.
The process of removing cemented orthodontic brackets from your teeth.
A model of your mouth made by biting into a soft material that hardens into a mold of your teeth. These impressions are used to prepare your treatment plan.
An alternative to traditional braces, Orchestrate 3D straightens teeth using a series of clear, custom molded aligners. Orchestrate 3D can correct some, but not all, orthodontic problems.
The process of attaching an archwire to the brackets on your teeth.
An X-ray that rotates around your head to capture images of your teeth, jaws, and surrounding facial structures.
Our Lewiston, Idaho location is our main office. Our other locations listed: Grangeville and Moscow are satellite offices. If you have any questions about the services we provide at our satellite locations, please call our Lewiston office at (208) 798-4427.
