Anything attached to your teeth that moves your teeth or corrects your bite.


A wire engaged in orthodontic attachments, affixed to the crowns of two or more teeth to guide the direction of tooth movement.

band (orthodontic)




ceramic brackets

Crystalline, alumina, tooth-shade or clear synthetic sapphire brackets that many patients view as aesthetically more attractive than conventional metal attachments.



coil spring

A coil shaped spring that fits between brackets and over the archwire.


The removal of cemented orthodontic bands.

elastics (rubber bands)


fixed retainer


habit appliance

An appliance designed to deter thumb or finger sucking habits.





interceptive treatment

Interceptive treatment, also known as early treatment, refers to orthodontic treatment usually performed between the ages of 6 and 10. This phase of treatment usually makes future orthodontic treatment faster and less invasive.

lingual appliances



Of or pertaining to the upper jaw. The term may be used to describe teeth, dental restorations, orthodontic appliances or facial structures.


A mouthpiece that is tailored to protect braces and teeth while the patient is playing a sport.

palatal expander

An appliance attached to the upper molars through bonding or by cemented bands. It is used to create a wider space in the upper jaw.


Permanent image, typically on film, produced by ionizing radiation. It is sometimes called an "X-ray" after the most common source of image-producing radiation.



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Dental wax can be used by patients over a bracket or poking wire that is causing irritation to the lip or cheek.