10 Orthodontic Terms to Add to Your 2025 Vocab
Starting orthodontic treatment is exciting—but let’s be honest, it can also feel like stepping into a world filled with unfamiliar terms. Words like “malocclusion” or “archwire” might sound more sci-fi than smile-related. At Hatcher & Frey Orthodontics, we believe you should feel confident every step of the way. That’s why we always encourage you to speak up and ask questions—no matter how small they may seem. Understanding the lingo is just one more step toward a smile you’ll love. Today, we’re breaking down 10 common orthodontic terms you have probably heard, but do not know the meaning of!
Occlusion
In orthodontics, this refers to how your upper and lower teeth come together and interlock when you bite down. ***We may want to talk about proper occlusion here
Malocclusion
This refers to the misalignment of the teeth and jaws (think an overbite or an underbite).
Attachments
These small, tooth-colored bumps are added to your teeth during Invisalign treatment. They help your aligners apply the right amount of pressure in just the right spots.
Power Chain
These are little elastic rings linked together to help close gaps between teeth. They’re usually added over brackets and come in fun colors.
Aligners
Clear, removable trays (like Invisalign®) are used to gently shift teeth into place. They’re virtually invisible and way more comfortable than traditional braces.
Archwire
This is the thin wire that runs through the brackets on your braces. We use high-technology wires that are heat-activated in the mouth to gently and comfortably move teeth with our custom braces. FUN FACT! NASA developed the technology, and it is also used in cardiovascular stents!
Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCTs)
CBCTs are a type of 3D imaging technology used to capture highly detailed views of the teeth, jaws, soft tissues, and bone structure. They use a lower dose of radiation than traditional 2D radiographs and help our orthodontists map out your treatment plan like a blueprint.
Temporary Anchorage Devices (TADs)
Small titanium screws used by orthodontists as a stable anchor point to help move teeth more precisely. TADs are minimally invasive, highly effective, and are used to avoid the need for surgery in certain patients.
Anchorage
This is how orthodontists keep certain teeth in place while moving others. It’s like putting a tent stake in the ground before tightening the ropes.
Photobiomodulation
This is a type of therapy that uses specific wavelengths of light to stimulate healing, reduce inflammation, and alleviate pain in tissues and cells. We use the Ember Light Therapy Device, developed by Dr. Frey, which stimulates a patient’s teeth and gums, leading to a healthier, faster, and more comfortable treatment.
There you have it—you are officially 10 words wiser! Now, the next time you hear your orthodontist mention “power chains” or “archwires,” you will know they are talking about your braces and not power tools.
At Hatcher & Frey, we are here to guide you through the process with clarity, comfort, and patience. If you ever have questions or just want a refresher on what something means, don’t hesitate to ask—we love educating our patients as much as we love creating beautiful smiles. Curious about your treatment? Give us a call and let’s chat about your smile goals. We will try to leave out the jargon!