AN APPLIANCE can be
defined as anything a dentist attaches to your teeth to move them or to change
the shape of your jaw will be called an appliance. We have a long list of them
as you read through this article.
ARCH WIRE - A
metal wire that is attached to the brackets that move your teeth
BAND - A metal
ring that is placed on some teeth to hold wires or other parts of braces
BITEPLANE - A removable
appliance made of acrylic designed to open a deep bite.
Bracket - A metal or ceramic fixture that is bonded onto a tooth It serves as a way of connecting the arch wire to the teeth.
Bracket - A metal or ceramic fixture that is bonded onto a tooth It serves as a way of connecting the arch wire to the teeth.
BUCCAL TUBE
- A
small metal tube that is welded to the outside of a molar band The buccal tube
is a slots to hold arch wires, lip bumpers, headgears and other things your
dentist uses to move teeth.
CHAIN - A
stretchable elastic chain used to hold arch wires into brackets and to move
teeth.
HEADGEAR - A
Headgear is a wire apparatus used to move the upper molars back in the arch to
create room for crowded or protruded front teeth. The headgear has two metal
arcs that have been soldered. The inner arc goes in the mouth and is connected
to the buccal tubes. The outer arc goes around the face, and connects to a pad
with springs and a plastic safety strap that goes around the neck, or to a
higher pull headgear that goes on top of the head. The inner bow is inserted
into the buccal tubes, and the plastic strap is attached to both sides of the
outer bow of the headgear.
HOOK - The place
on the bracket or band where the elastics are attached
LIGATURE - A
small elastic, shaped like a donut, which is used to hold the arch wires in the
brackets.
LIP BUMPER - A lip
bumper is used to move the lower molars back to create space for other teeth.
The lip bumper consists of a metal arc that has plastic mold attached to the
front. The wire is placed into the buccal tubes on the lower molars, while the
plastic mold lies behind the lips. Pressure from the lip pushes the wire to
move the molars back.
MOUTH GUARD - A soft
rubber form that that covers the teeth to prevent injury while playing sports.
All children playing sports should wear Mouth guards.
NECK
PAD - A neck pad is a cloth-covered cushion that is worn around the
neck with a headgear.
NICKEL
TITANIUM OR (NITI) - An especially flexible orthodontic wire
which allows for tooth movement over a longer period.
PALATAL
EXPANDER - A fixed or removable appliance that is used
to make the upper jaw wider
RETAINER - A plastic
appliance that can be used to move teeth, or to wear after orthodontic
treatment. The retainer attaches to the upper or lower teeth and helps them
settle into a stable position. Retainers are worn full time at first and then
at night only.
SEPARATOR - A rubber or
metal part that creates space between teeth that will receive orthodontic
bands.
WAX - Wax is used
to prevent braces from irritating lips or cheeks when braces are first put on.
About the
author:
Dr. Payal Chaudhuri B.D.S., M.D.S.
The author of this article is a Registered Dental Practitioner in
India.
She is also associated with a Dental College in Gurgaon, India.