James W. May, D.D.S., P.C. - Glossary of Orthodontic Terms

Aligner	A clear removable Invisalign tray that is molded to fit only your teeth.
Appliance	Anything the orthodontist attaches to your teeth to move them or to change the shape of your jaw. These can be removable or bonded to your teeth.
Arch Wire	A metal wire attached to your brackets to move your teeth.
Band	A metal ring that is cemented to a tooth.
Bond	The seal created by orthodontic cement to a tooth.
Bracket	A metal or ceramic part that is cemented to the tooth and serves as a means of fastening the arch wire.
Buccal Tube	A small metal part that is welded on the outside of a molar band. The buccal tube contains slots to hold lip bumpers.
Chain	A stretchable plastic chain used to hold arch wires into brackets and move teeth.
Crossbite	When a lower tooth slips to the outside of an upper tooth.
Elastics	Small rubber bands that are hooked from one tooth to another to serve as an activating force to move teeth.
Lip Bumper	A lip bumper is used to hold the molars on your lower jaw back to create more space for other teeth. The lip bumper consists of an arch wire which is attached to a molded piece of plastic. You mount the arch wire in the buccal tubes on your lower jaw and the plastic piece rests against your lips.
Study Models	The white plaster or virtual print records of your teeth which come from the impressions.
Palatal Expander	A device used to make your jaw wider.
Retainer	Usually an acrylic appliance that is worn after the braces are removed. The retainer attaches to your upper and/or lower teeth and holds them in the correct position. You wear retainers for a lifetime.
Separator	A plastic module or metal spring used to create space between your teeth for bands or to aid in the uprighting of molars.
Ties	Small elastic modules placed around the brackets to hold the arch wire in place.
Tie Wire	A thin metal wire used to hold the teeth together or apply pressure to a certain tooth.
Tie Hook	A thin metal wire with a stem that is twisted around a bracket to be used for elastic placement. This can be placed on the upper and/or the lower arch.
Wax/Silicone	A clear wax used to prevent your braces from irritating your lips and cheek.

Appliance Adjustment	Every 4-6 weeks the orthodontist will check your appliance to monitor expansion as well as jaw and tooth movement. These can be removable or bonded.
Bonding	The process of attaching brackets to your teeth.
Debonding	Removal of braces and placement of retainers.
Exam	The initial appointment during which the orthodontist looks at your teeth and gives you treatment options.
Extra-oral / Intra-oral Photographs	Photographs of the inside and outside of your mouth as well as facial pictures.
Impressions	Soft clay-like material which is placed in a small tray that fits over the teeth. This creates a mold for us to use.
Recall	A process which occurs every 2-3 months so that the orthodontist can monitor the loss of baby teeth.
Records	The taking of orthodontic x-rays at a special x-ray lab.
Tightening of the Braces	A process which occurs every 4-6 weeks so that the orthodontist can make adjustments to the arch wires and/or make arch wire changes.
Wax Bite	A piece of wax that the patient bites into so that the orthodontist can measure how the teeth come together.

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