Have you ever had a dentist explain something to you, and you just nodded along—but didn’t understand a single word? You’re not alone. “Dentistry” is full of technical terms that sound complicated. That’s why we’ve put together a simple glossary so you won’t feel lost in the dentist’s office anymore. Whether you’re dealing with a routine checkup or orthodontic treatment, this guide will keep you in the loop.

The ABCs of Orthodontics

Attachment

A small tab bonded to the tooth that helps clear aligners (such as Invisalign) grip the teeth more effectively and move them more precisely. It is made of composite material and matches the color of the tooth—making it virtually invisible.

When and in what context do you most often hear about attachments?

When you first get your clear aligners fitted at the orthodontist's office, the orthodontist will attach small brackets to some of your teeth to help the aligners stay in place.

Bite ramps or bite turbos

Small fillings (usually made of resin or composite material) that are applied to the teeth to prevent them from making full contact. They are used to correct the bite or to protect braces from damage.

When and in what context do you most often hear the term "bite turbos"?

If you need braces to correct a deep bite, or if there is a risk that the brackets on your upper teeth will damage the brackets on your lower teeth when using fixed braces.

Orally

This adverb indicates the direction toward the cheeks. It is used to describe the position of a tooth’s surface. The buccal surface is the one that faces outward, toward the cheek. The surface facing toward the teeth is referred to as the labial surface.

Button

A small metal or plastic protrusion that is bonded to a tooth. It serves as an anchor for elastic bands that adjust the position of the jaws or teeth.

When and in what context do you most often hear the term "buttons"?

When an orthodontist adds intermaxillary elastics to aligners or fixed braces, they’ll tell you, “We’re going to attach a button to this tooth to apply force.”

Cross-body strap (cross-body straps)

Elastic bands that are stretched diagonally from the inner surface of one tooth to the outer surface of another. They are used to correct a crossbite.

When and in what context do you most often hear about cross-moves?

If a patient has poor contact between certain upper and lower teeth—for example, if a lower tooth overlaps an upper tooth—the dentist will recommend crossbite correction as part of the treatment.

Crowding (overcrowded teeth)

An orthodontic term for crowded teeth—that is, a lack of space in the dental arch. As a result, the teeth overlap or rotate. One of the most common reasons for getting braces.

When and in what context do you most often hear the term "crowding"?

At your first appointment with the orthodontist. If your teeth are “in the way” and “don’t fit together properly,” the orthodontist will tell you that you have crowded teeth.

Debonding

The process of removing all traces of braces after treatment is complete —for clear aligners, this primarily involves removing the attachments; for fixed braces, it involves removing the brackets, wires, and adhesive residue.

When and in what context do you most often hear the term "de-bonding"?

At the end of treatment, when your orthodontist tells you that your next appointment will involve “debonding”—that is, the removal of your braces—this marks the end of the active phase of braces treatment and the beginning of the retention phase.

Distalization

The movement of a tooth or a group of teeth backward within the jaw—often to create space in the front.

When and in what context do you most often hear the term "distalization"?

For example, if you have prominent front teeth that need to be moved back, or if your children need space for their permanent teeth.

Ectopic teeth

Teeth that develop outside the normal dental arch—for example, those that grow in the palate or are tilted out of alignment.

When and in what context do you most often hear about ectopic teeth?

During the initial examination, if a tooth is not in its typical position—for example, a canine growing outside the dental arch—the orthodontist will classify it as ectopic and will usually try to create space for it to move into.

Expansion

The orthodontic process of widening the dental arch is most commonly performed using a dental expander, which gradually pulls the sides of the jaw apart.

When and in what context do you most often hear about expansion?

This is most common in children when the upper jaw isn't wide enough. The dentist will recommend expansion to make room for all the permanent teeth.

Infarction

Microscopic cracks in the tooth enamel. They are often invisible and painless, but they can cause sensitivity or increase the risk of a tooth breaking.

When and in what context do you most often hear the term "infarction"?

For example, during an X-ray or checkup, when an orthodontist or dentist notices a crack in the enamel. This is a common problem among people who grind their teeth.

Intrusion

The process during which a tooth moves downward into the jawbone (vertically, into the bone).

When and in what context do you most often hear the term "intrusion"?

Teeth are considered beautiful when they are symmetrical and evenly spaced. For example, prominent canines can spoil this impression, which is why an orthodontist may recommend intruding them with braces.

IPR (Interproximal Reduction)

Removal of a very thin layer of enamel between the teeth. This creates space to align the teeth without the need for extraction.

When and in what context do you most often hear about IPR?

For Invisalign or fixed braces treatment, if your teeth are slightly crowded. Your dentist will explain that they can create the necessary space between your teeth by slightly "shaving" them down.

Mesialization

Forward movement of the teeth—toward the front of the jaw. The opposite of distalization (see above).

Palatinal

This adverb indicates direction—toward the palate. It is used in reference to the upper jaw. For example, the “palatal surface” refers to the side of the tooth that faces inward.

When and in what context might an orthodontist use the term “palatally”?

A dentist may refer to what is known as palatal expansion, a procedure in which the upper palate is widened to make room for all the teeth in the jaw.

Power arm

A wire embedded in the attachment, to which an elastic band is attached, allowing for greater force to be applied at that point.

Proclination

Forward tilt of a tooth. Typically seen in incisors that tilt outward from the mouth.

When and in what context do you most often hear the term "proclination"?

When describing the condition of your teeth that are tilted—for example, if your upper incisors “stick out”—the orthodontist refers to this as proclination and recommends correcting it.

Refinement

An additional "fine-tuning" phase of Invisalign treatment. This phase is initiated if the treatment results do not match the treatment plan and the desired outcome cannot be achieved with the current aligners. It involves new 3D scans and the production of additional aligners.

When and in what context do you most often hear the term "refinement"?

At the end of the planned series of aligners, if your teeth aren’t quite where they’re supposed to be yet, your dentist will recommend “refinement.”

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Retroclination

A tooth tilting backward—the opposite of proclination. This often affects the front teeth, which “tilt” toward the tongue or the roof of the mouth.

When and in what context do you most often hear the term "retroclination"?

For example, when analyzing a patient’s bite based on X-rays. The dentist notices that the teeth are tilted backward and begins to determine what is causing this misalignment and how to correct it.

Settling

The final stage of orthodontic treatment, during which the teeth “settle” into their ideal bite. This involves fine-tuning the contact between the teeth.

When and in what context do you most often hear the term “settling”?

At the end of treatment, as you slowly approach the retention phase. From the patient’s perspective, the only real difference between wearing braces and a retainer is the presence of attachments.

Spark

A type of modern clear (invisible) braces, similar to the Invisalign system. They are made of clear, biocompatible plastic and are used for discreet teeth straightening.

When and in what context do you most often hear about Spark braces?

When choosing a type of clear aligner, your orthodontist may suggest Spark as an alternative to Invisalign—often with similar features but from a different manufacturer.

Here at Svět rovnátek, however, we work exclusively with Invisalign clear aligners.

Spee's curve

The natural vertical curvature of the dental arch, which is visible when viewed from the side. In some patients, it may be too pronounced, or, conversely, it may be completely absent. Its correct shape is essentially the ideal that braces aim to achieve.

When and in what context do you most often hear about the Spee curve?

During the planning of orthodontic treatment, the orthodontist identifies deviations from the ideal Spee curve and looks for ways to align the teeth with it.

Staging

Planning the individual movements of the teeth during orthodontic treatment using aligners (e.g., Invisalign). It determines the order in which the teeth are moved.

When and in what context do you most often hear about staging?

When developing a treatment plan for clear aligners, your orthodontist will explain that “staging” allows your teeth to move safely and gradually. In simple terms: “One tooth moves out of the way, and another can move into the space that’s created.”

Move

The term "force" refers either to the elastic band itself, which exerts force on a tooth or between the jaws, or to the force itself that orthodontic appliances apply to push or pull in order to change the position of the teeth or jaws.

When and in what context do you most often hear about these moves?

If your dental condition requires the use of elastics, your dentist will likely show you how to change and insert them.

Touch-up

Minor adjustments to the results of orthodontic treatment—often using a few additional aligners or minor adjustments.

When and in what context do you most often hear the term "touch-up"?

At the end of orthodontic treatment, when the alignment of your teeth is not yet quite perfect, your orthodontist will offer you a “touch-up” phase to help you achieve the perfect result.

Chew toys

Small foam rollers that patients chew on for a few minutes a day to help the aligners fit more snugly on their teeth and apply pressure evenly.

When and in what context do you most often hear about chewies?

When switching to a new set of clear aligners, your orthodontist will recommend chewing on the aligners to ensure they fit properly and are as effective as possible.

Now you've got dental jargon down pat

We hope this glossary has helped you make sense of the terms you may have heard at the dentist’s office but never fully understood. Now you know what “attachment,” “IPR,” and “cross-bite” mean—and you can understand your orthodontic treatment in a broader context. Because the more you know, the more at ease and confident you can feel throughout your treatment.

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