Labial Bow
A wire component of a removable orthodontic appliance that passes across the labial surface of the anterior teeth to provide retention or tooth movement.
Full Definition
The labial bow is a common active or passive component found on removable orthodontic appliances and some retainers (e.g., Hawley retainer). It typically consists of a straight labial section contacting the upper or lower incisors, with U-loops or fly-back bends providing adjustment flexibility. In laboratory prescriptions and clinical notes, the gauge of the wire (e.g., 0.7 mm or 0.8 mm stainless steel) should be specified. Editors must ensure consistent hyphenation: 'labial bow' is two words and not hyphenated. The term should not be confused with 'archwire', which is a component of fixed appliances, nor with 'lip bumper', which is a different extraoral component.
Usage
Usage note: Write as two words without a hyphen; specify wire gauge in laboratory prescriptions.
In Context
- "The laboratory prescription specified a Roberts retractor in place of a standard labial bow." — Laboratory prescription form
- "The labial bow was adjusted to apply light retractile force to the upper incisors." — Clinical notes