Can You Crack the Orthodontic Code?
Orthodontic Terms to Know!
Plus a FUN Downloadable Word Search and Crossword Puzzle!
Ever sat in the chair during an appointment and weren’t quite sure what words like archwire or overbite mean? Orthodontics comes with its own set of vocabulary, and unless you’re in the field or going through treatment yourself, they’re probably not words you would use every day.
Whether you want to get a better understanding of the terms we use, or just want to impress us with your orthodontic knowledge at your next visit 😉, we’ve rounded up 15 terms you’ll want to know. And when you’re done reading through them, you can put your knowledge to the test with our downloadable and printable word search and crossword puzzle below (including a helpful crossword puzzle answer key)!
Dr. Ortiz and the team at Rx Smiles were absolutely wonderful. Getting my son started with braces felt overwhelming at first, but they made the entire process incredibly easy. Dr. Ortiz took the time to clearly explain everything, from the treatment plan to expected outcomes and time frames, which gave us so much confidence moving forward. Mira was also amazing. She was so helpful, kind, and knowledgeable that I honestly thought she was AI at first! She made sure we understood every step and answered all of our questions with so much patience. Because of how comfortable and confident they made us feel, we didn’t even feel the need to get a second opinion. We knew we were in the right place. I’m so grateful for their care and highly recommend RxSmiles to anyone considering orthodontic treatment for their kids. – Amanda G.
15 Orthodontic Terms You’ll Hear at RxSmile
Braces: An orthodontic appliance fixed to your teeth consisting of brackets and wires that work together to slowly guide your teeth into place.
Bracket: The small piece bonded to the front of each tooth that holds the wire in position.
Archwire: The thin metal wire that runs through your brackets. It’s what actually moves your teeth into place.
Aligners: Clear, removable trays that you wear over your teeth to gradually shift them.
Invisalign: A popular orthodontic treatment that uses a series of custom-made aligners to gradually move your teeth into place.
Retainer: What you wear, eventually only at night, after you’ve finished treatment so your teeth stay put and don’t shift back over time.
Bite: How your top and bottom teeth come together when you close your mouth. An ideal bite means each top tooth meets its opposite tooth on the bottom in such a way that you can successfully bite, chew, and speak.
Overbite: When you bite and your top front teeth come in front of your bottom front teeth more than they should.
Underbite: When you bite and your top front teeth come behind your bottom front teeth more than they should. The opposite of an overbite.
Crowding: When there is not enough room in your mouth for teeth to fit normally and sit how they should.
Expander: An orthodontic appliance that gently widens the upper jaw to make more room for teeth.
Crossbite: When upper teeth sit inside the lower teeth instead of fitting slightly over them when you bite down. A crossbite can affect just one tooth or a group of teeth, and it can happen with the front or back teeth.
Malocclusion: A fancy word for “bad bite,” and is a general term to describe teeth that do not line up the way that they should.
Enamel: The hard, outer layer that protects each tooth and makes it possible to bite and chew. Enamel is the hardest substance in the human body, but it can wear down over time, especially when teeth don’t line up properly and an uneven bite puts extra pressure on them. Once enamel is gone, it doesn’t grow back.
Plaque: The sticky film of bacteria, food particles, and saliva that naturally forms in the mouth. Too much of a buildup causes cavities, but plaque can be removed by brushing and flossing daily and regular dentist visits.
Want to dig into even more orthodontic jargon? The American Association of Orthodontists has a full and comprehensive glossary of terms you can browse.
Ready to Put Your Knowledge to the Test?
Download and print our word search and see how many terms you can find. Bonus points if you can explain what each one means without peeking!
DOWNLOAD RxSmile’s Word Search >
Want to keep the challenge going? Try our crossword puzzle and see if you can figure out the correct orthodontic term from its definition.
DOWNLOAD RxSmile’s Crossword Puzzle >
Double check your work, or if you get stuck, this answer key will help!
Now You’re Speaking Orthodontics!
Now that you’re fluent in all of the orthodontic lingo we use here at RxSmile, you’re officially ready for your next appointment. If you have any questions about braces, Invisalign, or any other terms on this list, Drs. Greenberg and Ortiz are always happy to talk. Schedule a free consultation with us and let’s chat about your smile!
Call the front office at (972) 335-1300 during our regular business hours (Mon-Thur 8am-5pm) or submit an online appointment request after hours and one of our friendly office staff will respond when we’re back in the office.