Panoral See Panoramic X-ray

Panoramic X-ray An X-ray that usually shows all the teeth in the mouth on one X-ray film.

Panorax See Panoramic X-ray

Periapical Radiograph A small X-ray designed to look at the the whole crown & root of one or two teeth.

Periodontology The area of dentistry that deals in treatment of the gums and bone surrounding the teeth.

Periodontist A dentist who has special training in periodontology

Prosthododontics The area of dentistry that deals in the replacement of missing teeth.

Prosthodontist A dentist who has special training in prosthodontics

Plate Usually made of plastic and used to connect the various components of a removable brace.

Premolar Fourth and fifth teeth from the front of the mouth. Usually there are 2 premolars on each side, and in both jaws, so the average person has eight premolars overall. Also known as Bicuspids as they have 2 cusps.

Radiograph The correct term for what is usually called an X-Ray. A radiograph is the "picture" or image seen on the film, while the X-Ray is strictly the invisible beam that creates the image.

Removable Brace A brace that can be removed by the patient. Usually composed of wires to move the teeth, clasps to hold the brace in the mouth and a plastic plate to hold it all together. Not as powerful or as versatile as fixed appliances.

Retainer A brace that is used to keep the teeth straight after treatment has been completed. It may be stuck on or be removable. A common misuse of this term is to confuse it with a removable brace.

Root The part of the tooth that does not appear in the mouth.

Scissorsbite Where an upper cheek tooth bites fully outside its corresponding lower tooth.

Separator An item placed between back teeth to create a small, less than 1mm, space. This space then allows placement of a band at a subsequent appointment. It is usually made of rubber.

Six Month Brace A type of fixed brace that is designed to line up the front six teeth in a short period of time. Does not aim to treat any underlying bite problems.

Skeletal Malocclusion Where the jaws are out line with each other.

Spacing Where the overall width of the teeth is too small for the amount of bone.

Spring Component of a brace, made of metal and used to move teeth. Some springs are built into removable braces, and some are  added as components to fixed braces.

Study Models A record of the teeth. Commonly made of plaster, but recently digital versions have been developed.

Tube Similar to a bracket, except a bracket can be opened to allow an archwire to be placed into it while a tube only enables something to be slipped into its open end.

Twin Block An example of a functional brace.