Glossary

Orthodontic terms, explained

The words you will hear at the chair and read in a treatment plan, each in one line. From Dr. Khan.

Have a question rather than a word? Q & A with Dr. Khan.

Appliances & hardware

Archwire: A metal wire that connects to brackets and guides the teeth into alignment.
Band (molar band): A metal ring cemented around back teeth to act as an anchor for braces.
Bracket: A small metal, ceramic, or clear attachment glued to each tooth to hold the archwire.
Clear aligners (e.g., Invisalign): A series of custom-made, removable plastic trays that gradually straighten teeth.
Elastics (rubber bands): Small rubber bands attached to hooks on braces or aligners to apply pressure and correct bite alignment.
Expander (palatal expander): A fixed or removable device used to widen the upper jaw.
Headgear: An external appliance used to guide jaw growth and tooth movement.
Ligatures (O-rings): Tiny rubber ties or wire twists that hold the archwire inside the brackets.
Retainer: A custom appliance worn after treatment to keep teeth in their new position.
Separator (spacer): A small rubber donut or plastic piece placed between teeth to create room for bands.
Wax (orthodontic wax): Soft wax placed over brackets or wires to prevent irritation to the lips and gums.

Malocclusion: The medical term for a bad bite or improper alignment of the teeth and jaws.
Overbite: The vertical overlap of the upper front teeth over the lower front teeth.
Overjet: The horizontal distance or protrusion where the upper front teeth stick out past the lower front teeth.
Underbite (Class III): A bite where the lower front teeth sit in front of the upper front teeth.
Crossbite: When the upper teeth bite inside or behind the lower teeth (can affect front or back teeth).
Open bite: A space or gap remaining between the upper and lower front teeth when the back teeth are closed.
Crowding: Dental malalignment caused by a lack of space in the jaw for all teeth.
Diastema: A space or gap between two teeth (most commonly the upper front teeth).

Maxilla: The upper jaw.
Mandible: The lower jaw.
Lingual: The side of the teeth facing the tongue.
Buccal / labial: The side of the teeth facing the cheeks or lips.
Debonding / debanding: The process of removing brackets or bands from the teeth after treatment finishes.
Interproximal reduction (IPR): Gently polishing a tiny amount of enamel between teeth to create space.
Orthognathic surgery: Corrective jaw surgery performed alongside orthodontics for severe skeletal bite issues.