GLOSSARY
archwire
A wire engaged in orthodontic attachments, affixed to the crowns of two or more teeth and capable of causing or guiding tooth movement.
band (orthodontic)
A thin metal ring, usually stainless steel, which serves to secure orthodontic attachments to a tooth. The band, with orthodontic attachments welded or soldered to it, is closely adapted to fit the contours of the tooth and then cemented into place.
bracket
An orthodontic attachment that is secured to a tooth (either by bonding or banding) for the purpose of engaging an archwire. Brackets can be fabricated from metal, ceramic or plastic.
ceramic brackets
Crystalline, alumina, tooth-shade or clear synthetic sapphire brackets that are aesthetically more attractive than conventional metal attachments.
crowding
Dental malalignment caused by inadequate space for the teeth.
debanding
The removal of cemented orthodontic bands.
elastics (rubber bands)
Used to move teeth in prescribed direction (commonly connected to molar band and upper ball hook). Found in numerous colors for better appearance.
gingiva
The tissue that surrounds the teeth, consisting of a fibrous tissue that is continuous with the periodontal ligament and mucosal covering.
headgear
Generic term for extraoral traction (attached around the back side of the head) for growth modification, tooth movement and anchorage.
Herbst appliance
Fixed or removable appliance designed commonly for overbite problems and more.
imaging
The process of acquiring representations of structures in either two or three dimensions.
Invisalign and OrthoClear
These two options are the clearest way to straighten teeth by using a series of clear, removable, custom-made Aligners.
lingual
Of or pertaining to the tongue. A term used to describe surfaces and directions toward the tongue.
maxillary
Of or pertaining to the upper jaw. May be used to describe teeth, dental restorations, orthodontic appliances or facial structures.
micro-implant
Miniture implants that can be used temporarily to move teeth in ways never before possible and easily removed after the tooth movement is complete.
orthodontist
Orthodontists are trained specialist moms can trust because only orthodontists have two to three years of specialized education beyond dental school, including a residency supervised by orthodontists. This residency is accredited by the American Dental Association in the special area of orthodontics. Because of the rapid technological advances in the various fields of dentistry, it is virtually impossible for any one dentist to be proficient in all of them. That is why most patients seek out an orthodontist to treat dental problems. Dr. Stephen and Dr. David Chenin board certified orthodontists.
orthodontic education:
There are three levels of practitioners:
1. General Dentists
The general dentist may perform orthodontics as part of his or her practice, but does not limit his specialization to orthodontics.
2. Orthodontic Specialist
Just as medical doctors may specialize in a certain area (obstetrics, pediatrics, surgery, etc.) a dentist may specialize in orthodontics by completing an intensive 2- or 3-year residency at an accredited university or hospital.
3. American Board of Orthodontics Diplomate
** Dr. Stephen T. Chenin and Dr. David A. Chenin’s Level! **
To earn this certification, an orthodontist must demonstrate broad experience, exceptional skill and in-depth knowledge. They are required to submit documented case histories of his patients to a panel of experts who evaluate the quality of care given. They must pass a very difficult oral and written examination. Board certification is the highest level an orthodontist can aspire to; only about 18% of orthodontists are board certified.
NiTi & CuNiTi Wires
Nickel Titanium wires utilize super flexible material properties in order to maximize patient comfort and ensure long acting range which space out adjustment intervals and decreases the number of office visits for patients. These wires were originally developed by NASA engineers to create a thin satellite antenna that could be wound up into a very compact compartment and later expanded to its full length without deformation. In orthodontics, some NiTi wires such as CuNiTi’s used have heat sensitive properties which further increase patient comfort. Chenin Orthodontics utilizes NiTi & CuNiTi wires for all of our patients.
orthognathic surgery
Surgery to alter relationships of teeth and/or supporting bones, usually accomplished in conjunction with orthodontic therapy.
overbite
Vertical overlapping of upper teeth over lower teeth, usually measured perpendicular to the occlusal plane.
radiograph
A permanent image, typically on film, produced by ionizing radiation. Sometimes called an X-ray after the most common source of image-producing radiation. Chenin Orthodontics uses ultra-low radiation digital x-rays for our patients.
retainer
Any orthodontic appliance, fixed or removable, used to maintain the position of the teeth following corrective treatment.
retention
The passive treatment period following active orthodontic correction during which retaining appliances may be used.
self-ligating brackets
Braces specially designed to reduce friction experienced at the bracket wire interface. These special types of braces have been reported to reduce treatment time and reduce the number of office visits for patients. Chenin Orthodontics utilizes self-ligating brackets.
A variation of the edgewise appliance in which brackets are angulated to minimize multiple archwire bends. Brackets and molar tubes have specific orientation in three planes of space.
