Orthodontic Terms

Bands are metal tooth rings that go around the back molars and serve as anchors for the braces. They have hooks on them so that elastics can be worn.

Bands are metal tooth rings that go around the back molars and serve as anchors for the braces. They have hooks on them so that elastics can be worn.

Brackets are the small metal or ceramic modules that are attached to each tooth. They serve as guides to move the teeth and hold the arch wire in place.

An x-ray of the head that shows if your teeth are aligned and growing properly within the jaws.

A stretchable elastic chain that connects on the archwire, usually used to close spaces between the teeth.

A meeting with your orthodontist where your treatment plan is discussed.

The process of removing cemented orthodontic brackets from your teeth.

A small rubber band that is hooked between different points on your appliance to provide gentle, continuous pressure to move your teeth and/or jaws to their new positions. We offer regular or neon colors.

Extractions of impacted or problematic teeth to make space for orthodontic treatment.

Fixed retainers consist of a metal wire bonded to the back of the teeth. Fixed retainers can stay in place indefinitely.