orthodontic appliance


appliance

 [ah-pli´ans] any of various devices used in dentistry to provide a functional or therapeutic effect, such as a prosthesis, an obturator, or an appliance" >orthodontic appliance.fixed appliance an appliance that is attached to the teeth by cement or an adhesive material.orthodontic appliance a device, either fixed to the teeth or removable, that applies force to the teeth and their supporting structures to produce changes in their relationship to each other and to control their growth and development. Used in orthodontic therapy to move the teeth into esthetically or physiologically better positions, such as better alignment within the dental arch or with the opposing dentition; also used in the treatment of fractures or injuries to the maxilla, to stabilize or immobilize the teeth and jaws. Called also braces.

or·tho·don·tic ap·pli·ance

a mechanism for the application of force to the teeth and their supporting tissues to produce changes in the relationship of the teeth and/or the related osseous structures.

or·tho·don·tic ap·pli·ance

(ōrthŏ-dontik ă-plīăns) Mechanism for the application of force to the teeth and their supporting tissues to produce changes in the relationship of the teeth and/or the related osseous structures.

or·tho·don·tic ap·pli·ance

(ōrthŏ-dontik ă-plīăns) Mechanism for application of force to teeth and their supporting tissues to change relationship of teeth and/or related osseous structures.