Anchorage
The resistance to unwanted tooth movement provided by teeth, bone, or skeletal structures during orthodontic treatment.
Full Definition
In orthodontics, anchorage refers to the reactive units that resist the forces applied to move teeth, ensuring that desired tooth movements are achieved without unintended displacement of other teeth. Anchorage can be classified as intraoral (using teeth within the mouth) or extraoral (using structures outside the mouth). It is categorised by the degree of permissible movement: maximum, moderate, or minimum. Editors should note it is a clinical planning concept frequently discussed in case reports and referral letters. Misspelling as 'anchoridge' is a known editorial error.
Usage
Usage note: Always use lowercase unless beginning a sentence. Do not confuse with the colloquial sense of 'anchor tooth'.
In Context
- "The treatment plan required maximum anchorage to prevent mesial drift of the upper molars." — Clinical case report
- "Anchorage loss of 2 mm was noted at the six-month review appointment." — Progress note