Parts of Braces

Appliance:
Any object the orthodontist places in a mouth to move teeth or jaws.

Archwire:
A metal wire that connects the brackets and guide the teeth during movement.  This wire is periodically changed throughout treatment.

Band:
A fitted metal ring that is cemented around the perimeter of the tooth.

Bracket:
A ceramic or metal piece on each tooth that holds the archwire.

Coil Spring:
A spring placed between brackets to increase space between teeth.

Elastic Tie:
A small rubber band placed around brackets to hold the archwire.  SmilesbyChang has over 15 different colors.

Headgear:
An external appliance utilized to guide the growth of the jaw and face.

Headgear Tube:
A cylindrical attachment to the back band used to fit headgear.

Hook:
An extended arm that elastics and rubber bands are attached to.

Ligature:
A thin wire used in place of an elastic tie to hold the archwire to the bracket.

Mouthguard:
A device that protects the mouth from damage during rigorous activity.

Palatal Expander:
An appliance that widens your upper jaw.

Retainer:
An appliance worn after braces are taken out to hold teeth in position.  This can be worn on the upper or lower teeth.

Rubberband:
A small rubber band that is hooked between various places on the appliance to move teeth.

Separator/Spacer:
A small ring slided between teeth to create space for bands to be fitted.

Wax:
A substance used by placing on appliance to stop irritation to mouth.

Orthodontic Procedures

Banding:
The process of fitting then cementing the bands around the teeth.

Cephalometric X-Ray:
An X-ray of the head which demonstrates the relationship between the facial and tooth growth.

Consultation:
A meeting with an orthodontist to discuss possible dental treatment options.

Debanding:
The process of removing brackets from the teeth.

Impression:
The process of biting into alginate that hardens into a mold of teeth.  This mold is used to create models of the teeth.

Panoramic X-Ray:
An X-ray that rotates around the head to create an image of the teeth, jaw and other areas in relation to one another.

Links

Sonicare
In-Ovation
Waterpik
American Dental Association
American Association of Orthodontics