Modern dental assisting chapter 60

Open bite

a lack of vertical overlap of the maxillary incisors.

Distoclusion

a class 2 malocclusion.

Band

stainless steel ring attached to molars to hold the arch wire.

Separator

used to separate molars before fitting and placement of orthodontic bands.

Headgear

used to control growth and tooth movement.

Overjet

excessive protrusion of the maxillary incisors.

Crowding

teeth are not properly aligned within the arch.

Bracket

a small device bonded to teeth to hold the arch wire to the teeth.

Arch wire

a contoured metal wire that provides force when teeth are being moved.

Malocclusion

occlusion that is deviated from a class 1 normal occlusion.

Auxiliary

attachments located on brackets and bands that hold arch wires and elastics.

Retainer

maintains the positions of the teeth and jaws.

Ligature tie

light wire used to hold the arch wire.

Dentofacial

structures that include the teeth, jaws, and surrounding facial bones.

Fetal molding

pressure applied to the jaw, causing a distortion.

Braces

fixed orthodontic appliances.

Positioner

used to retain teeth in their desired position.

Mesioclusion

term used for class 3 malocclusion.

Overbite

increased vertical overlap of the maxillary incisors.