Glossary of orthodontic terms
- Archwire: Wire running between braces which exerts a force to direct teeth
to move in a desired direction.
- Headgear tube: The tube on the upper molar band where the headgear is
attached to the teeth.
- Ball Hook: A part of the bracket used for attachment of the rubber bands.
- Rubber Tie: A grey, colored, or clear tie used to secure the arch wire to
the bracket.
- Steel Tie: A small steel wire tied to the bracket to secure the arch wire
to the bracket.
- Coil Spring: A small spring placed around the arch wire to either
maintain or increase space between teeth.
- Elastics: A rubber band used to move teeth in a prescribed direction.
- Gingiva: The soft tissue around and between the teeth.
- Orthodontic Band: A stainless steel ring placed around back teeth to hold
the arch wire.
- Bracket: A small stainless steel brace glued to the teeth to hold the
arch wire.
- Overjet: The amount the upper front teeth protrude out in front of the lower
front teeth.
- Overbite: The amount the upper front teeth overlap the lower front teeth in a
vertical direction.
- Crossbite: When the upper teeth are positioned inside of the lower teeth. Ideally all the teeth of the upper arch should be positioned slightly outside of the lower arch.
- Expansion Appliance: An appliance used to widen the top jaw.
- Headgear Strap: A strap used on the back of the neck or around the crown
of the head which is attached with hooks to the upper molars to help move the top teeth
backwards.
Official no-no list
Avoid all hard, sticky or chewy food (in other words, the things that you like the most).
- Ice: You've got to be kidding. Don't even think of it.
- Pizza Crust: Not a good idea. It is probably fattening and a non-pizza crust diet would
probably do us all good.
- Hard Pretzels: You might as well be eating rocks.
- Rocks: You might as well be eating hard pretzels.
- Doritos, Tacos, Tostitos, Cheetos, Fritos, etc.: All are some of my favorites, but for now,
should be avoided.
- Hard Rolls or Bagels: The last patient who ate these stayed in braces for 8 1/2 years
(or close to it).
- Beef Jerky, Slim Jims: Does anybody really eat these anymore?
- Suckers and Tootsie Pops: I will bet that the temptation will be too great and you will
bite.
- Nuts: What do you think?
- Pencils and Pens: A deadly delicacy during test time. Think twice.
- Popcorn: Only if soaked in a soft drink for 20 minutes first and then each and every kernel
dissected out.
- Raw Carrots: These are fine — after they have been placed in a blender on high for about
three minutes.
- Carmel: Give me a break!
All of these foods will break brackets and loosen bands. Sometimes you may not discover
something is broken until hours later.
Just say no! And walk away.
Dr. Robert Haeger – Your Invisalign Orthodontist – Orthodontics for Children, Adults, Invisalign® & more!
24909 104th Ave. S.E. Ste 203 Kent, Washington 98030 | Ph: (253) 850-7043 | Email Dr. Haeger
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FAQ: LIFE WITH
BRACES
You'll need to protect your orthodontic appliances when you eat by avoiding hard foods, chewy foods, crunchy foods, popcorn and gum. These things can damage braces leading to longer time in orthodontic treatment. 
It's more important than ever to brush and floss regularly when you have braces,
so the teeth and gums are healthy after orthodontic treatment. Patients who
do not keep their teeth clean may require more frequent visits to the dentist
for a professional cleaning. Adults who have a history of gum disease should
also see a periodontist during orthodontic treatment.
braces removed on schedule. Rubber bands move teeth in ways Dr. Haeger is not able to do
with different wires. Without proper rubber band wear, it is unlikely we will obtain
the results that everyone wants.