ABC-Glossar
Please find definitions for key orthodontic terms below. The terms are listed in alphabetical order and clearly explained.
A stands for Activator
An activator is a functional orthodontic appliance that consists of two plastic bodies for the upper and lower jaw respectively. It fixes the position of both jaws in relation to each other and impacts growth. The plastic parts can be ground to facilitate proper regulation of the eruption of the remaining teeth.
B stands for BENESlider
The BENESlider is an invisible distalization appliance fixed to the gums with micro screws. The BENESlider therefore constitutes a great aesthetic solution for tooth displacement. In contrast to early conventional methods such as headgear, the success of treatment is not contingent on the participation of the patient.
The posterior teeth can be shifted to the rear and space can be made for excluded canines or anterior teeth that are positioned too far forward or that excessively overlap. This consequently stops children, and particularly adults, requiring the removal of permanent teeth.
B stands for Braces
Depending on the initial position of the oral cavity, we have a range of options for correcting teeth and jaws. Braces can be successfully used to correct tooth misalignments. In addition to removable models, we also use permanent braces for treatment. There has been a good amount of development in recent years, enabling us to offer transparent and non-visible solutions.
C stands for Clear Aligner
The Clear Aligner is made from transparent plastic. It is barely noticeable and its smooth, wireless surface ensures comfort when talking and smiling. We employ the Clear Aligner for minor orthodontic corrections. For each displacement (tooth movement between 0.5 and 1 mm), a total of three aligners are custom-made with varying material strengths at a specialist laboratory. This facilitates the gradual alignment of the teeth into the desired position. Patients often comment on the comfortable wearing experience, how inconspicuous the aligner is and the advantage of being able to remove it to eat.
E stands for Elastics
Elastics are small rubber bands attached to the patient’s brace to close holes and improve the bite of the upper and lower teeth. Patient participation is particularly important in this case to ensure treatment is a quick and effective as possible.
F stands for Fluoridation
Fluoric gel protects teeth against demineralisation and caries. You teeth are under attack from acids, sugars and other substances on a daily basis. The flouride content of the gel permanently protects your teeth and gum line and prevents caries. Weekly application of the fluoride to tooth enamel mineralises and strengthens teeth.
I stands for Invisalign
Invisalign is a transparent and removable custom-made aligner. Digital scanning technology is used to take impressions of your jaw. Multiple Invisalign aligners are produced for several phases, enabling your teeth the gradually move into a new position. Each aligner is worn for up to 14 days. In contrast to Clear Aligners, (3 aligner system), all treatment steps can be digitally simulated. Furthermore, as the aligner can be removed, it doesn’t pose any issues when it comes to eating and maintaining your regular dental care routine. The Invisalign aligner therefore constitutes a great aesthetic solution for orthodontic correction.
J stands for Jumping the bite (FORSUS springs)
FORSUS springs are attached to braces to correct a receding lower jaw. The spring exerts continuous pressure to optimally align the upper and lower jaws. The 24-hour effect leads to quick treatment results without leading to any speech impediments.
L stands for Lingual Technology
Lingual technology enables orthodontic correction with a permanent, invisible brace. In this case, the braces are fixed to the inside of your teeth.
M stands for Mandibular Joint Treatment
Frequent grinding, pressing, stretched ligaments and muscular tensions are often the key culprits behind jaw dysfunction. Dislocation of the disc (cartilage disc) can lead to mandibular joint problems and pain. You may experience the joint cracking, problems opening your mouth as well as pain in the region in front of your ears, or even unequal leg length. To counter these issues, you will receive a custom-made night guard to provide relief for the joint.
M stands for Maxillary Expansion
Maxillary expansion is the process whereby the upper jaw bone expands during childhood and youth. This expansion can also be replicated in adults with surgical assistance. Maxillary expansion can improve nasal breathing, as the nasal sinuses are connected to the upper jaw.
M stands for Mouth Guard for Sport
When you play sport, you’re exposed to an increased risk of injury. Many fail to pay adequate attention to guarding their mouths and faces.. In order to protect you teeth, an impression of your teeth is taken and used to produce custom-made mouth protection.
If you have permanent braces, we can also make a special mouth guard for you. Please enquire if interested.
N stands for Nance
A fixed Nance holding appliance prevents teeth in the lateral tooth area from moving forward. The appliance also stabilises the large upper molars. A small plastic plate on the palate serves as a support to anchor the molars.
O stands for Open Bite
In the case of a frontal open bite, the upper and lower anterior teeth do not come together when the mouth is closed. There is a visible gap between teeth when those with an open bite close their mouths. They often suffer from limited chewing and biting functionality, which requires orthodontic treatment. We provide a range of treatment options for children and adults.
P stands for Positioner
A positioner is primarily used in the final treatment phase to make fine adjustments to teeth. As the name suggests, the teeth are moved into the desired position by recesses in the positioner. Prior to treatment, we complete a functional analysis to record the movement of your jaw.
Q stands for Quad Helix
The fixed appliance expands the upper jaw in children and can also be used to fix the position of the large molars. The appliance only causes slight initial discomfort for the tongue.
R stands for Retainer
Retainers are devices that ensure that the results of the final treatment are maintained and that teeth don’t revert to their original position. Retainers may take the form of invisible splints or a wafer-thin wire that is unobtrusively attached to the inside of the teeth.
R stands for Retaining Clips
It’s paramount that results are stabilised after treatment. In order to aid this process, we use retaining clips, positioners and retainers. In recent times, removable retaining clips can be fitted with chips to measure the amount of time they are worn and increase motivation for the children.
S stands for SmartClip
In contrast to conventional brackets, SmartClip brackets have the advantage that the wire is released by a clip when a high force is applied. This facilitates gentle movement of the teeth. The SmartClip brackets are quick to insert, the clip mechanism reduces wire friction and consequently improves the sliding mechanism.
As SmartClip brackets enable us to refrain from using wire and rubber ligatures, longer intervals can be introduced between check-ups. The smooth surface ensures minimal food residues remain on the mini brackets, simplifying dental care. The mini brackets are made from either metal or ceramic.
S stands for stretching plate
Removable stretching plates are used for jaws that are too narrow. Narrow jaws are distinguished by the lack of space for the permanent anterior teeth.
The screw is turned once a week in the respective direction to widen the jaw within a matter of months.
T stands for Temporary Anchorage Devices
If individual teeth require targeted movement during the treatment process, we use TADs placed on the jawbone. The TADs are connected to permanent braces with rubber chains, springs and wire elements. This ensures that the pressure is transferred to the jawbone instead of the surrounding area.
T stands for TwinBlock
We use a TwinBlock to treat receding jawlines in our younger patients (first phase of mixed dentition). It consists of two plates that fit onto the upper and lower jaws with plastic blocks at the side. Both jaws are first widened to achieve forward displacement of the jaw. The tongue area remains unimpeded and the TwinBlock can be removed for eating and cleaning.
W stands for White Spots
“White spots” are chalky, white stains on the tooth surface that may lead to caries in the future. Wearing permanent braces can exacerbate this phenomenon. White spots are active primary lesions caused by demineralisation processes.
We can seal the teeth with a type of “deep protective coat” to prevent further progression of caries. The additional application of fluoride gel protects against lesions and the formation of caries.
X stands for Xylitol
You may have heard of “Xylitol” and associate it with a dentalcare brand or processing aid. In this case, however, xylitol refers to a sugar derived from birch trees. Its tooth-friendly properties set it apart from other sugars: It kills bacteria and can therefore not be metabolised by cariogenic bacteria.