Orthodontics Practice Glossary

An irreversible hydrocolloid impression material derived from seaweed, widely used in orthodontics to take dental impres...

The planned sequence of incremental tooth movements programmed into a series of clear aligner trays, each advancing the...

A cephalometric angle representing the anteroposterior skeletal discrepancy between the maxilla and mandible, derived by...

The resistance to unwanted tooth movement provided by teeth, bone, or skeletal structures during orthodontic treatment.

A system devised by Edward Angle that categorises malocclusion into Class I, II, or III based on the molar relationship...

The process of ensuring that the widths and shapes of the upper and lower dental arches are compatible so that the poste...

A metal wire shaped to the dental arch and threaded through the brackets of a fixed orthodontic appliance to exert corre...

A condition in which both the upper and lower incisor teeth are proclined (tipped forward) relative to their jaw bases,...

The detachment of an orthodontic bracket or attachment from the tooth surface during the course of treatment, also refer...

A fixed wire retainer bonded directly to the lingual surface of teeth to prevent post-treatment tooth movement without p...

The procedure of attaching orthodontic brackets directly to the tooth surface using a dental adhesive, replacing the old...

A small attachment bonded to the tooth surface that holds the archwire and transmits orthodontic forces to move teeth.

The dark space visible between the lateral teeth and the corners of the lips during a broad smile, used as an aesthetic...

Cone Beam Computed Tomography; a three-dimensional radiographic imaging technique used in orthodontics to assess skeleta...

A standardised lateral skull X-ray used in orthodontic diagnosis to measure skeletal and dental relationships.

A clinical instrument used to retract the lips and cheeks away from the dental arches during clinical procedures or intr...

A series of transparent, custom-made removable trays used to move teeth incrementally through programmed stages.

Align Technology's proprietary 3D digital treatment planning software used to simulate and approve tooth movement sequen...

A formal written communication sent to a patient (or guardian) documenting concerns about inadequate cooperation with or...

The systematic assessment of how consistently a patient wears their removable or aligner appliance as prescribed, often...

A legally and ethically mandated document recording that a patient (or guardian) has been informed of orthodontic treatm...

A malocclusion in which one or more upper teeth occlude inside (lingual to) the lower teeth, in the anterior or posterio...

The discrepancy between available arch length and the combined mesiodistal widths of the teeth, resulting in irregular t...

The anteroposterior curvature of the mandibular dental arch when viewed in the sagittal plane, running from the cusp tip...