Bracket (bond) - A metal or ceramic attachment to the front of the teeth.

Archwire - The wire that connects to all the upper and/or lower teeth which fits into the bracket. The archwire will create movement of the teeth.

Elastics - A rubber band used to move the upper and lower teeth in a specific directions.

Elastic Tie - A rubber band tie that can be placed that will hold the archwire onto the bracket. These are available in many different colors.

Functional appliance - A removable or cemented appliance to correct excess overjet problems.

Headgear - A removable appliance fitting around the neck and/or head to correct jaw discrepancies.

Impaction - A tooth that is stuck in the bone that does not grow into place. The most common impacted teeth are upper cuspids or third molars(wisdom teeth).

Overjet - The distance the upper teeth overlap horizontally beyond the lower front teeth.

Overbite - The distance the upper teeth overlap vertically over the lower front teeth.

Retainer - A removable appliance used on the upper and/or lower teeth to hold the alignment of the teeth.

Spacers - An elastic separator placed between the teeth to create space for bands usually placed one week before a banding appointment.

Tie Wire - A steel wire tied around the bracket that holds the archwire in place.

Separator - A small rubber band placed between the posterior teeth to create space for a band. These separators are usually placed one week before the banding appointment.