extraction orthodontics: Definition, Uses, and Clinical Overview

extraction orthodontics is orthodontic treatment that intentionally includes removing one or more teeth to help correct a bite or tooth alignment. It is most often used when there is not enough room in the dental arches to align teeth predictably. It can be part of treatment with braces or clear aligners, followed by “space closure” to move teeth into planned positions. The decision is case-specific and typically based on clinical exam, dental records, and treatment goals.

camouflage treatment: Definition, Uses, and Clinical Overview

camouflage treatment is a tooth-colored dental approach that blends restorations with natural teeth to “hide” defects. It commonly uses resin-based composite materials placed directly on teeth to mask discoloration, chips, gaps, and shape irregularities. It is often used in cosmetic dentistry and conservative (tooth-preserving) restorative dentistry. The goal is to improve appearance while keeping treatment minimally invasive when appropriate.

Class III correction: Definition, Uses, and Clinical Overview

Class III correction is a dental restoration used to repair a defect on the side surface of a front tooth. It commonly addresses cavities, fractures, or worn areas between anterior teeth (incisors and canines). It is most often performed with tooth-colored composite resin materials. The goal is to rebuild tooth shape and function while keeping the repair as natural-looking as possible.

Class II correction: Definition, Uses, and Clinical Overview

Class II correction is a restorative dental approach used to rebuild the side contact area of a back tooth. It commonly refers to correcting or placing a **Class II restoration**, meaning a filling on a premolar or molar that involves the chewing surface and the adjacent (proximal) surface. The goal is to restore tooth shape, contact with the neighboring tooth, and normal chewing function. It is commonly performed with tooth-colored resin composite materials in general dentistry.

miniplate anchorage: Definition, Uses, and Clinical Overview

miniplate anchorage is a type of temporary skeletal anchorage used in orthodontics to help move teeth (and sometimes influence jaw position) with less reliance on other teeth for support. It uses a small metal plate fixed to facial bones with tiny screws, with a small hook or arm that comes through the gum for attaching orthodontic forces. It is commonly used when conventional “tooth-borne” anchorage (using teeth as anchors) is not stable enough or would cause unwanted tooth movement. It is typically placed and removed by clinicians trained in minor oral surgery or maxillofacial procedures, in coordination with orthodontic treatment.

miniscrew: Definition, Uses, and Clinical Overview

A miniscrew is a small, temporary screw placed into jawbone to help move teeth in orthodontic treatment. It is commonly used as a “temporary anchorage device” (TAD), meaning it provides a stable point to pull against. A miniscrew is not a dental filling or a permanent implant; it is typically removed after it has done its job. It is most often used in braces or aligner-based orthodontics to improve control of tooth movement.

mini-implant: Definition, Uses, and Clinical Overview

A mini-implant is a small-diameter dental implant placed into bone to provide support or anchorage. It is commonly used to help stabilize dentures or to provide temporary anchorage during orthodontic treatment. Compared with standard implants, it is narrower and may be placed with a less extensive surgical approach in some cases. The exact design and intended use vary by clinician and case.

temporary anchorage device: Definition, Uses, and Clinical Overview

A temporary anchorage device is a small, removable anchor used to help move teeth in orthodontic treatment. It is usually a mini-screw (mini-implant) or a small plate secured to the jawbone. It provides a stable point to pull from, so selected teeth can move without others drifting. It is most commonly used in braces or clear aligner treatment when extra control is needed.

TAD: Definition, Uses, and Clinical Overview

TAD is a tooth-colored, adhesive, resin-based dental material used to restore small areas of lost tooth structure. It is typically placed in a prepared area of the tooth, bonded with an adhesive system, and hardened with a curing light. In everyday terms, TAD is a type of “white filling” material used for conservative repairs. It is commonly used in restorative dentistry for small cavities, minor defects, and localized repairs.

skeletal anchorage: Definition, Uses, and Clinical Overview

skeletal anchorage is a way to create orthodontic “anchor points” by attaching devices to bone rather than relying only on teeth. It is commonly used during braces or clear aligner treatment when tooth-to-tooth anchorage may be insufficient. It can help move selected teeth more predictably by reducing unwanted movement of other teeth. In many cases, it involves small temporary screws or plates placed in the jawbone.