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Orthodontic Terms

Orthodontic Specialists, P.A.


Hygiene

The practice of measures designed to attain and preserve health. The actions taken to keep your teeth, bone and gums clean and healthy.

1. Archwire

A wire applied to two or more teeth through fixed attachments to cause or guide orthodontic tooth movement. A wire used as a source of force to direct teeth to move in desired directions.

2. Bracket/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.

3. Ball Hook

Used for attachment of elastics.

4. Ligature/Steel Tie

A tie used to secure individual teeth to an orthodontic archwire, typically made of wire or elastic material. A small steel wire tied to the bracket to secure the archwire to the bracket. Also used to secure brackets together.

5. Power Chain

Two or more grey or clear elastic chains used to move teeth toward each other.

6. Coil Spring

Small spring placed around arch wire to either maintain or increase the space between teeth.

7. Elastic/Rubberband

Rubberband used to move teeth in the prescribed direction.

8. Gingiva

Soft tissue around and between the teeth. The tissue that surrounds the teeth consisting of a fibrous tissue that is continuous with the periodontal ligament and a mucosal that is continuous with the lining of the mouth.

9. Molar Hook

Hook soldered to band to serve as a place to hook your elastics to the molar teeth.