Orthodontic Terms

Below you will find many of the orthodontic terms that you may hear during treatment. This list is not conclusive but offers an overview of the vocabulary we use and conditions that we treat.
If you have further questions feel free to reach out to us.
Basic Terminology

Brackets are the “Braces” or small attachments that are bonded directly to the tooth surface. The brackets are the part of your braces to which the orthodontist or assistant attaches the arch wire.
Occasionally, a bracket may come loose and become an irritation to your mouth. You can remove the loose bracket and save it in an envelope to bring to the office. Call the office as soon as possible and make an appointment to re-glue the bracket.
At some time during treatment, it will be necessary to wear elastics to coordinate the upper and lower teeth and perfect the bite. Once teeth begin to move in response to elastics, they move rapidly and comfortably. If elastics (rubber bands) are worn intermittently, they will continually “shock” the teeth and cause more soreness. When elastics are worn one day and left off the next, treatment slows to a standstill or stops.
Sore teeth between appointments usually indicate improper wear of elastics or inadequate hygiene. Wear your elastics correctly, attaching them as you were told. Wear elastics all the time, unless otherwise directed. Take your elastics off while brushing. Change elastics as directed, usually 3-4 times a day.
Malocclussion
Below is a list of some of the different types of malocclussion cases we find.
A Malocclusion where the bite is OK (the top teeth line up with the bottom teeth) but the teeth are crooked, crowded or turned.
A Malocclusion where the upper teeth stick out past the lower teeth.
A Malocclusion where the lower teeth stick out past the upper teeth. This is also called an “underbite”.
Occlussion
Below is a list of some of the different types of occlussion cases we find.
Anterior opening between upper and lower teeth.
Vertical overlapping of the upper teeth over the lower.
Horizontal projection of the upper teeth beyond the lower.
When top teeth bite inside the lower teeth. It can occur with the front teeth or back teeth.