Brooklyn NY Braces Terms Defined

There are many different terms your NYC braces orthodontist uses when you’re sitting in the chair getting your exam. If you’re like most people you just smile and nod your head, and then leave wondering what the heck he was talking about. If you’ve been wondering what some of the common terms your Brooklyn NY braces provider uses, but haven’t asked, here is a mini-glossary to set the terms straight.

Crowding- A dental misalignment caused by not enough room for the teeth.

Gingiva-The tissue that surrounds the teeth, consisting of a fibrous tissue is contiguous with the periodontal ligament and mucosal covering.

Lingual- Meaning of or pertaining to the tongue.

Maxillary- Meaning of or pertaining to the upper jaw. It may also be used to describe teeth, dental restorations, orthodontic appliances, or facial structures.

Archwire- A wire engaged in orthodontic attachments, affixed to the crowns of two or more teeth and capable of causing or guiding movement.

Straight-wire appliance- 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.

Orthognathic surgery- Surgery to alter relationships of the teeth and/or supporting bones usually accomplished in conjunction with orthodontic therapy.