Orthodontic Dictionary

Dr. Marc S. Wright strives to help his patients in Atlanta, Marietta, and the surrounding areas of Georgia understand their orthodontics treatments. Our orthodontic dictionary explains some of the most common terms that are used during your treatment.

Banding

The process of fitting and cementing orthodontic bands to your teeth.

Bonding

The process of attaching brackets to your teeth using special orthodontic cement.

Braces

Braces are orthodontic appliances that are comprised of bands, brackets, archwires, hooks, elastics, and other components. The tension that the braces place on your teeth help to reposition the teeth.

Cephalometric X-Ray

An x-ray of your head which shows the relative positions and growth of the face, jaws, and teeth.

Consultation

A meeting with your orthodontist to discuss a treatment plan.

Debanding

The process of removing cemented orthodontic bands from your teeth.

Debonding

The process of removing cemented orthodontic brackets from your teeth.

Impressions

The process of making a model of your teeth by biting into a soft material that hardens into a mold of your teeth. Your orthodontist will use these impressions to prepare your treatment plan.

Invisalign®

An alternative to traditional braces, Invisalign® straightens your teeth with a series of clear custom-molded aligners. Invisalign® can correct some, but not all, orthodontic problems.

iTero® Scanner

The iTero® scanner is an advanced technology that allows Dr. Marc S. Wright to create 3D models of your teeth and jaw. Images that are produced by the system help to guide his treatment planning recommendations.

Ligation

The process of attaching an archwire to the brackets on your teeth.

Panoramic X-Ray

An x-ray that rotates around your head to take pictures of your teeth, jaw and other facial areas.

SureSmile®

SureSmile® is a system that digitally evaluates your teeth and jaw and produces 3D images for Dr. Marc S. Wright to evaluate. The system allows Dr. Marc S. Wright to simulate treatment options. Once he determines the best course of treatment, the SureSmile® system manufactures custom archwires for your braces.

Our orthodontic dictionary is a part of our efforts to provide patient education to people we serve in Atlanta, Marietta, and the surrounding areas of Georgia. If you have questions or would like to schedule a free initial consultation, contact Wright Orthodontics today.