Glossary
Terminology of all braces part
- Appliances are made up your braces (such as bands, brackets, archwires, hooks, tubes, headgear, facemask, rapid palatal expander (RPE)
- Bands: Small and thin metal rings placed around the back teeth (i.e. molars) using cement to hold archwires and/or headgear
- Brackets: Small metal or tooth-colored braces or attachment placed on the teeth to allow teeth movement along archwire
- Archwire: Main archwires fitted into bracket and band and tied in by small elastic O-ties
- Hooks: Vertical attachment on bands or on brackets used for elastics or rubber wear
- O-ring: Little rings or colored modules used to tie archwires onto the brackets
- Tie wire: Stainless steel tie used to hold archwire onto the brackets instead of using O-ring (color ties)
- Elastics: Rubber bands placed by patients during orthodontics treatment to move teeth
- Spacers: Separators (i.e small springs or rubber modules) to make space for placing bands at later appointment
Definition of each procedure appointment
- New patient exam: First initial exam to evaluate patient for any orthodontics treatment
- Record appointment: To obtain initial x-rays, photos and molds of your teeth
- Final consultation: To discuss all treatment options with parents and patient and to answer all questions or concerns parents or patient will have
- Banding appointment: To place the braces and discuss all oral hygiene home care and eating guidelines
- Check-up appointment: Monthly follow up and adjustment of the braces
- Deband appointment: To remove all braces and final photo and impression taken for retainers
- Retainer delivery appointment: To fit the new retainers for stabilization of the teeth after braces removal