Arch form: The shape of the dental arch -- narrow, wide, tapered arch forms.
Closed bite: A malocclusion where the upper teeth overlap the lower teeth vertically when closing. This is also called a "deep bite."
Crossbite: A malocclusion where some of the upper teeth are inside the lower teeth when they come together.
Crowding: A dental arch where the teeth are either too large, or there are too many teeth for the space.
Deep bite: Closed bite.
Diastema: A space between the two front teeth.
Flared teeth: Front teeth that are protruded. The upper teeth are flared labially (toward the lip).
Full orthodontic treatment: Full brackets on all the teeth.
Lingual appliances: Orthodontic brackets placed on the inside of the teeth. They are placed on the lingual part of your teeth, next to your tongue.
Lingual arch: An orthodontic wire attached from molar to molar on the inside of your teeth to hold space.
Lingual retainers: A lingual arch that goes from canine to canine (with bands or bonded) to keep the front teeth in place.
Malocclusion: Poor positioning of the teeth or jaw.
Stop: A bend or attachment placed on a wire to stop the arch wire from sliding or moving into the slot of the bracket.
Tracing (cephalometric): A drawing traced of a cephalometric X-ray that shows specific structures and landmarks that provided the basis for orthodontic diagnosis and treatment planning.
Types of Malocclussions
Class I Malocclusion: A malocclusion where the jaw is fine, but teeth are crooked, crowded and out of position.
Class II Malocclusion: A malocclusion where the upper teeth stick out past the lower teeth. This is also called an "overbite."
Class III Malocclusion: A malocclusion where the lower teeth stick out past the upper teeth. This is also called an "under bite."
Open bite: A malocclusion in which the teeth do not close or come together in the front of your mouth.
Overbite: Vertical overlap of the upper teeth over the lower.
Overjet: Horizontal position of upper teeth past the lower.
Retruded: Upper jaw is in the proper position, but the lower jaw and teeth are excessively behind the upper teeth.
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