Orthodontics terminology explained | Orthodontists | Shepparton

Braces or Bands
These terms are used interchangeable and refer to an appliance stuck on teeth which, together with wires and elastics, put pressure on the teeth and pull or push them in certain directions.

Bands
These are metal rings which are more often used around molar teeth. They are cemented in place and have a tube into which the archwire can be placed. 
When headgear is worn, it connects into the headgear tube on the band of the upper molar teeth.

Self ligating braces
In most cases, we use self-ligating braces. These braces have a clip that holds the wire to the bracket, rather than relying on elastomeric modules to hold the wire.  Some patients like the coloured modules, which can be placed over the self-ligating brackets for a fashion statement.

Separators
In order to place thin metal bands around the molar teeth, a little blue elastic ring (separator) is stretched and flossed in between the teeth. As the separator returns to its original shape over a few days, the teeth are gently pushed apart just enough for the band to slide on.

Brackets
These are metal or ceramic appliances that are "bonded" onto the tooth's surface. They have a precision-cut slot that the archwire engages to control the tooth movement. Initial wires are loose within the slot, and gradually change to a thicker, more rectangular wire that fits the slot best. This gives the orthodontist control over the angle and position of a tooth in 3 dimensions.

Archwires
Archwires are the thin metal wire used to join the brackets together.  They exert a light, continuous pressure onto the teeth to encourage orthodontic movement.  Advances in wire technology have given us wires with shape memory to guide the teeth into position.  Archwires used later in treatment have different properties that allow the orthodontist to place precision bends to ideally position your teeth.

Headgear
Headgear is an appliance worn in younger patients that uses the back or top of the head as an anchor while the upper teeth are pulled backward. This is worn at home in the evenings and bed. And it does not have to be worn for sleepovers and school camps.

Plates
Plates are appliances that can be taken in and out of the mouth by the patient. Plates cannot move teeth with the same degree of accuracy as braces. We use plates for treating simple problems in young patients.

Functional appliances
Functional appliances aim to hold the bottom jaw forward to encourage natural jaw growth.  They can be removable or fixed (glued to the teeth) in design.  We also use them to correct protrusive top teeth and open deep bites.