Archwire
A metal wire which is attached to your brackets to move your teeth.
Biteplate
A Biteplate is a removable appliance similar to a retainer that is used to correct a deepbite or to help correct a crossbite. This appliance may be fixed or removable.
Brackets
Brackets are the small metal or ceramic modules attached to each tooth. They serve as guides to move the teeth and hold the archwire in place.
Elastics
Elastics or rubber bands for braces help move the upper and lower teeth relative to each other, ultimately achieving a better bite. The orthodontic rubber bands are typically effective for correcting overbites, underbites, or other types of alignments of the jaw. They are also useful for moving a tooth out of alignment or to close a space in the mouth.
Expander
The Bonded Upper Expander is constructed with a palatal expansion screw whose metal arms are soldered to wire framework. The framework encircles all of the posterior teeth and supports the acrylic posterior bite plane. The Bonded Upper Expander is a way to widen a narrow upper jaw.
Fixed Retainer
Fixed retainers consist of a metal wire bonded to the back of the teeth. Fixed retainers can stay in place indefinitely.
Forsus
The Forsus appliance is an orthodontic appliance that is affixed to the teeth. Springs mounted on the side of the appliance force the lower jaw forward upon closure of the jaws retraining the bite and correcting a Class II problem.
Frankel
A Frankel is a functional appliance used to alter the growth of the jaws by changing the function of facial muscles.
Invisalign
Invisalign® is a series of clear, removable teeth aligners that both orthodontists and dentists use as an alternative to traditional metal dental braces.
Lingual Arch
A lingual arch is an orthodontic device which connects two molars in the upper or lower dental arch.
Lip Bumper
A Lip Bumper is a removable appliance used in growing children to create and maintain the space necessary to accommodate the adult teeth without extraction. The lip bumper harnesses the natural forces of the muscles surrounding the lower teeth to broaden and lengthen the dental arch. By keeping the lip pressure away from the lower front teeth, the tongue pressure is allowed to gradually move the front teeth forward to "unravel" or align the crooked teeth. The constant pressure of the lower lip against the front pad of the lip bumper exerts a force that gently pushes the molar teeth backward. The lip bumper will gradually "stretch" the dental arch to make room for the erupting adult teeth.
Mara
A Mara is a fixed appliance consisting of metal caps and small, hook-like devices. This is a growth modification appliance that helps correct an overbite.
Mouth Guard
A device that is used to protect your mouth from injury when you are participating in sports. The use of a mouth guard is especially important for orthodontic patients, to prevent injuries.
Nance
The Nance button is utilized to hold teeth in position to allow for the movement of other teeth. The impact of the button on the lower palate creates force on the back molars.
Palatal Expander
A palatal expander, also known as a rapid palatal expander, rapid maxillary expansion appliance, palate expander or orthodontic expander, is used to widen the upper jaw so that the bottom and upper teeth will fit together better.
Removable Retainer
A gadget that the orthodontist gives you to wear after your braces are removed. The retainer attaches to your upper and / or lower teeth and holds them in the correct position while your jaw hardens and your teeth get strongly attached to your jaw. At first, you wear the retainer 24 hours a day, and then only at night.
Tongue Tamer
This small device can easily be attached to upper or lower teeth. These are designed to stop tongue thrusting or thumb sucking.
Transpalatal Bar
The Transpalatal Bar (TPA) is a fixed appliance that is attached to bands on the upper molar teeth. The bar that sits across the roof of the palate fits into a soldered clip located on the bands.
Thumb Crib
This simple device is given to address severe thumb/finger sucking habit. It involves using a fixed wire crib attached to two back braces.