Choose a glossary:

» Parts of Braces
» Orthodontic Procedures

Parts of Braces

Appliance: Anything your orthodontist attaches to your teeth which moves your teeth or changes the shape of your jaw.

Archwire: The metal wire that guides your teeth into the correct positions. It is changed periodically throughout treatment as your teeth move towards your perfect smile.

Band: A metal ring that is cemented to your tooth, going completely around it. Bands provide a way to attach brackets to your teeth.

Bond: The seal created by orthodontic cement that holds your appliances in place.

Bracket: A metal or ceramic appliance specially glued (“bonded”) to your tooth that holds your archwire in place.  All of your brackets and archwires are collectively called braces.

Coil Spring: A spring that fits between your brackets and over your archwire to open space between your teeth.

Elastic (Rubber Band): A small rubber band that is hooked between different points on your braces to improve the fit of upper and lower teeth.  99% of all patients with braces will be asked to wear elastics at some point in their treatment – without elastics, we can’t create your perfect smile!

Elastic Tie: The coloured rubber band or donut that fits around your bracket.  At Panorama Orthodontics, we use braces that do not require these coloured ties.  Patients that desire coloured ties on their braces must first demonstrate exceptional oral hygiene as the ties are purely decorative and increase the difficulty of keeping the teeth and braces clean.

Hook: A welded or removable arm to which elastics are attached on each bracket.

Mouthguard: A device that protects your mouth from injury when you participate in sports or rigorous activities. Special mouthguards are required when you have braces on your teeth – we’ll be happy to provide you with the right mouthguard – just ask!

Palatal Expander: A device that makes your upper jaw and upper teeth wider.  It can be either fixed to your teeth or removable, depending on the specific needs of your treatment

Retainer: A retainer maintains, or retains, the position of your teeth after your orthodontic treatment is completed.  Retainers can be fixed, or glued to the inside of your teeth, or can be removable.  A customized retainer schedule will be prescribed for you to ensure that your teeth remain exactly the same as the day your braces were removed!

Separator or Spacer: A small rubber ring that creates space between your teeth before the bands are fitted.

Wax: Wax is used to temporarily stop your braces from irritating your lips.

Orthodontic Procedures

Banding: The process of fitting and cementing orthodontic bands to your teeth.

Bonding: The process of attaching brackets to your teeth using special orthodontic cement or glue.

Cephalometric X-ray: An x-ray of your head which shows the relative positions and growth of the face, jaws, and teeth.

Diagnostic Records: Records include digital photos of your teeth, a series of radiographs or x-rays, and a set of impressions of your teeth.  These records allow Dr. Chow to formulate a customized treatment plan specific to your orthodontic needs.

Debanding: The process of removing cemented orthodontic bands from your teeth.

Debonding: The process of removing cemented orthodontic brackets from your teeth.

Impressions: The process of making a mold of your teeth. Dr. Chow will use these impressions to prepare your treatment plan, and to prepare for the placement of your braces.

Indirect Bonding: The process of bonding all your braces on your teeth at the same time, instead of one by one.  Dr. Chow utilizes a sophisticated computerized model of your teeth and precisely positions your brackets digitally prior your bonding appointment.  Indirect bonding allows us to have all your braces bonded to your teeth in less than 30 minutes!

Invisalign®: An alternative to traditional braces, Invisalign straightens your teeth with a series of clear plastic aligners. Invisalign can correct some, but not all, orthodontic problems.

Panoramic X-ray: An x-ray that rotates around your head to take pictures of your teeth, jaw, and other facial areas.