Orthodontics Information
Our Terms
Archform: the shape of the dental arch. For example the orthodontist could say that you have a horseshoe archform or a "v"-shaped archform.
Class I Malocclusion: a Malocclusion where your bite is OK (your top teeth line up with your bottom teeth) but your teeth are crooked, crowded or turned.
Class II Malocclusion: a Malocclusion where your upper teeth stick out past your lower teeth.
Class III Malocclusion: a Malocclusion where your lower teeth stick out past your upper teeth. This is also called an "underbite".
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Banding: the process of cementing orthodontic bands to your teeth.
Bonding: the process of attaching brackets to your teeth using special safe glue.
Cephalometric X-Rays: an x-ray of the head that shows whether your teeth are aligned properly, and whether your jaws are positioned in the correct spot.
Consultation: a meeting with your orthodontist where he/she discusses your bite and whether orthodontic treatment is recommended.
Debanding: the removal of cemented orthodontic bands.
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Appliance: anything the orthodontist attaches to your teeth to move your teeth or to change the position of your jaw.
Arch Wire: a metal wire which is attached to your brackets to move your teeth.
Band: a metal ring that is usually placed on your teeth to hold on parts of your orthodontic appliance.
Bracket: a metal or ceramic part that is glued onto a tooth and serves as a means of fastening the arch wire.
Chain, Orthodontic power chain: a stretchable plastic chain used to hold archwires into brackets and to move teeth resulting in closing spaces.
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Braces and Food It is very important to maintain healthy teeth and gums by eating a well balanced diet which will provide the necessary nutrients for growth and maintenance of a healthy mouth.
How to avoid unnecessary breakages of braces & appliances:
Please remember that the appliance or you braces are cemented to your teeth, therefore high tension or force will break the cement and dislodge your appliance or brace. Frequent breakage will delay your treatment. To avoid this use the following guide to prevent unnecessary breakage.
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Now we need to work hard together to keep your teeth as clean as possible because braces trap a lot of food and cause plaque to build-up on your teeth. Unfortunately this may lead to cavities, gum problems and permanent white marks on your teeth, unless we take excellent care in cleaning your teeth while you are in treatment.
This is easier with your Ortho Care Oral Hygiene kit!
Please make sure you brush your teeth after EVERY meal to help prevent cavities!
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DENTAL EMERGENCIES
When a patient experiences a dental emergency, adherence to several steps should result in quicker care and relief:
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If the patient currently sees a dentist, s/he needs to call his or her own personal dentist. Most dentists belong to a call group, meaning that they trade call with other dentists. Therefore, a caller may be directed to contact the dentist who is on call.
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If a person with a dental emergency does not currently have a dentist of record, s/he should call the local dental association and ask for a listing of dentists who accept dental emergencies. The list is broken down by specialties and by time periods. Patients should expect to be charged for emergency care.
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If the dental emergency requires an oral surgeon for immediate care, the hospital emergency room personnel will call the oral surgeon who is on call. Patients will be charged for these services.
Laird Orthodontics Gallery
