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Orthodontic glossary

The world of orthodontics is full of unusual words and terminology. At Braces N Faces Orthodontics in Geelong and Hoppers Crossing, we use these words every day so we're familiar with what they mean. However, for those who require braces for their teeth, they might wonder about some of the words we use. For that reason we've provided a list of words and expressions you might come across during a session with one of our orthodontists.

Explaining orthodontic terms

The list below is from our own resources and from The Australian Schedule of Dental Services and Glossary. While it won't answer all your questions, it may help provide a little clarification.

Importantly, if you have questions about your braces, don't hesitate to ask. At Braces N Faces Orthodontics we've been fitting braces for patients in Geelong for many years and have extensive experience and knowledge of what it takes to achieve straight teeth and a beautiful smile for our patients.

Explaining orthodontic terms

Tooth terminology

Adjustment

Anodontia

Anterior

Appliances

Arch

Archwire

ASO

Attrition

Band

Banding

Bite

Bite registration

Bonding

Braces

Bracket

Bruxism

Buccal tube

Cementum

Cephalometric radiographs

Chain

Cross bite

Crown

Crowding

Debanding

Dentine

Diastema

Ectopic

Elastics

Enamel

Fixed appliances

Fluoride

Frenectomy

Fraenum

Functional appliances

Gingiva

Impacted tooth

Impression

Malocclusion

Mandible

Maxilla

Mixed dentition

Modules

Mucosa

Nightguard

Open bite

Orthodontics

Orthodontist

Orthognathic surgery

Overbite

Overjet

Panoramic or OPG radiograph

Periodontal ligament

Plaque

Quadhelix

Removable appliance

Retainer

Separators

Root

Supernumerary teeth

Twin block

Wires

Dental arch

Anterior teeth

Buccal

Canine (cuspid) tooth

Incisor teeth

Labial

Lingual

Molar teeth

Palatal

Posterior teeth

Removable appliances

Passive removable appliance

Active removable appliance

Functional orthopaedic appliance

Sequential plastic aligners

Fixed appliances

Partial banding

Full arch banding

Fixed palatal or lingual arch appliance

Partial banding for intermaxillary elastics (cross elastics)

Maxillary expansion appliance

Passive fixed appliance

Minor tooth guidance

Extra-oral appliances

Attachments

Orthodontic adjustment

Relining