Orthodontic Dictionary: A Simple Guide to Common Terms

At Girgis & Ito Orthodontics, we understand that orthodontic treatments can come with a lot of new terms that may sound confusing. To help you feel more comfortable and confident, we’ve created this easy-to-understand orthodontic dictionary. It covers the most common terms you’ll hear during your treatment. Whether you’re here for braces, Invisalign, or another service, this guide will help explain everything in simple language. If you’re looking for a trusted orthodontist in Woodridge our team is here to guide you every step of the way.

Orthodontic Procedures

Banding

Banding is the process of placing metal bands around your teeth. These bands are the foundation for your braces and help hold them in place.

Bonding

Bonding is the process of attaching brackets to your teeth with a special orthodontic cement. It is an important step in getting your braces ready to straighten your teeth.

Cephalometric X-ray

A cephalometric X-ray is an X-ray that shows your head and the positions of your teeth and jaw. It helps the orthodontist plan your treatment and make sure everything will move correctly.

Consultation

A consultation is your first appointment with the orthodontist. During this visit, your orthodontist will check your teeth, take some X-rays or pictures, and discuss the most suitable treatment options for you.

3D Imaging

3D imaging is a special scan that creates a detailed picture of your teeth, jaw, and facial bones. It helps your orthodontist see every angle of your mouth to plan your treatment more accurately.

Retainer Fitting

After your braces come off, your orthodontist will fit you with a retainer. This step is important to keep your teeth in their new position and prevent them from shifting.

Adjustment Appointments

These are follow-up visits where your orthodontist checks your progress and may tighten your braces, change wires, or give you new aligners. These appointments help make sure your treatment is going as planned.

Debanding

Debanding is the process of removing the metal bands from your teeth when your treatment is complete. This happens when your teeth are ready and have reached their final positions.

Debonding

Debonding is the process of removing the brackets from your teeth once your braces treatment is finished. It’s the last step before you get your retainer.

Impressions

Impressions are molds of your teeth. You bite into a soft material that hardens, creating a model of your teeth. These models are used to plan your treatment or create custom braces or aligners.

Invisalign®

Invisalign is a clear alternative to traditional braces. It uses a series of clear, removable aligners to gradually straighten your teeth. It’s a great option for people who want to straighten their teeth without the look of metal braces.

Ligation

Ligation is the process of securing the archwire into the brackets with ligatures, which are small rubber bands or wires. This helps move your teeth into position.

Panoramic X-ray

A panoramic X-ray shows your teeth, jaws, and surrounding areas in a single image. This helps the orthodontist see the big picture and plan your treatment more effectively.

Invisalign

Aligners

Clear, plastic trays that fit over your teeth and gently move them.

Attachments

Small, tooth-colored shapes that are attached to your teeth to help the aligners grip better.

iTero Scanner

A digital scanner that takes a 3D image of your teeth, so we don’t need to use messy molds.

Refinements

Refinements are extra sets of aligners used after your first set, to fine-tune the final position of your teeth. They help make sure your smile is just right.

Invisalign Tray Case

A small, hard container used to store your aligners when you’re not wearing them. It helps keep them clean and safe from damage.

Compliance Indicator

A small blue dot on teen Invisalign aligners that fades with wear. It helps your orthodontist know if you are wearing your aligners enough each day.

Braces

Appliance

An appliance is any tool that your orthodontist attaches to your teeth to help move them into the correct position. These are the tools used to straighten your teeth or adjust your bite.

Archwire

The archwire is a metal wire that connects your brackets and moves your teeth into place. It is the track that guides your teeth to their new positions over time.

Band

A band is a metal ring that is placed around the back teeth. These bands hold the brackets in place and provide a way to attach other appliances.

Bond

Bonding is the process where orthodontic cement is used to attach the brackets or other appliances to your teeth. This bond keeps everything in place during your treatment.

Bracket

A bracket is a small piece, usually made of metal or ceramic, that is attached to your teeth. The bracket holds the archwire in place and helps move your teeth.

Coil Spring

Coil springs are tiny metal springs that fit between your brackets and over the archwire. They help create space between teeth to allow them to move properly.

Elastic (Rubber Band)

Elastic bands are small rubber bands that connect different parts of your braces. These bands provide the pressure needed to move your teeth into the correct position.

Elastic Tie

Elastic ties are tiny rubber bands that hold the archwire in place within the brackets. You can choose from different colors for a fun and personalized look.

Headgear

Headgear is a special appliance that helps guide the growth of your jaw and face. It has an external wire that is connected to a strap and applies gentle pressure to move your teeth and jaw into the right position.

Headgear Tube

The headgear tube is a small hollow piece attached to your back braces. The headgear’s wire fits into this tube.

Hook

A hook is a small piece of metal attached to your braces. It is used to hold elastic bands that help with tooth movement.

Power Chain

A power chain is a series of connected elastic ties that help close gaps between your teeth. It provides extra pressure to move teeth more quickly.

Button

A button is a small plastic or metal piece bonded to your tooth. It helps attach rubber bands or other parts of your braces or aligners to help with tooth movement.

Forsus Appliance

A Forsus appliance is a spring-like tool that helps correct bite problems, especially in growing children. It connects the upper and lower braces and gently moves the jaw into a better position.

Ligature

A ligature is a small, thin wire that holds the archwire in place. It helps to secure the archwire inside the bracket.

Lip Bumper

A lip bumper is a plastic piece attached to a wire that helps move the back teeth in your lower jaw. This creates space for the rest of your teeth.

Mouthguard

A mouthguard is a soft plastic device that you wear over your teeth to protect them while playing sports or doing activities that could cause injury to your mouth.

Palatal Expander

A palatal expander is a device used to widen your upper jaw. It is used to make room for your teeth and improve your bite.

Retainer

A retainer is a device worn after braces are removed to keep your teeth in their new positions. Some retainers are removable, while others are attached to the back of your teeth.

Separator or Spacer

Separators are small rubber rings that are placed between your teeth before placing braces or bands. They create space so that the bands can fit around your teeth.

Tie Wire

Tie wires are fine wires that help hold the archwire in place. They are twisted around the brackets to ensure that the archwire stays secure.

Wax

Wax is a soft material used to cover any sharp edges on your braces. This helps prevent irritation to the inside of your lips and mouth.

More Dental Terms

Malocclusion

A fancy word for teeth that don’t fit together correctly.

Overbite

When your top front teeth stick out too far over your bottom teeth.

Underbite

When your bottom front teeth stick out in front of your top teeth.

Crossbite

When some of your top teeth fit inside your bottom teeth.

Open Bite

When your front teeth don’t touch when you bite down.

Impacted Tooth

A tooth that is stuck under the gums and can’t come out on its own.

Orthodontist

A dentist who specializes in straightening teeth. That’s us!

Why Choose Girgis & Ito Orthodontics?

At Girgis & Ito Orthodontics, we are dedicated to providing high-quality care in a friendly, comfortable environment. Our experienced team of orthodontist near you uses the latest technology to ensure that your treatment is effective and as comfortable as possible. Whether you need braces, Invisalign, or another treatment, we are here to guide you every step of the way.

If you have any questions about the terms or procedures mentioned in this dictionary, feel free to reach out to us. We’re always happy to help.