orthodontic wax is a soft, moldable dental wax used as a temporary protective covering. It is commonly placed over braces components (brackets, hooks, and wire ends) that rub against the lips or cheeks. It creates a smooth barrier between orthodontic hardware and oral soft tissues. It is typically used by patients at home and may also be used chairside for short-term comfort.

A brass wire separator is a small piece of brass wire used in orthodontics to create a slight space between teeth. It is commonly placed between molars to make room for an orthodontic band or appliance. It works by applying gentle, controlled pressure through the contact point between two teeth. It is typically temporary and is removed once enough space is created.

An elastic separator is a small rubber-like ring used in orthodontics to create a tiny space between teeth. It is most commonly placed before orthodontic bands are fitted around molars. The separator sits between two teeth for a short period and gently pushes them apart. It is sometimes called an “orthodontic separator” or “spacer,” depending on the clinic.

An orthodontic separator is a small device placed between two teeth to create a tiny amount of space. It is most commonly used before placing orthodontic bands (metal rings) around molars. It works by gently wedging the teeth apart over a short period of time. It is typically a temporary step in fixed-appliance orthodontic treatment.

bracket repositioning is the process of moving an orthodontic bracket to a new position on the tooth surface. It is usually done during treatment with braces when a bracket’s placement needs refinement. The goal is to improve how orthodontic forces are delivered so teeth track more predictably. It is commonly performed in fixed orthodontics using bonded metal or ceramic brackets and an adhesive resin.

eruption guidance is a dental approach used to help newly erupting (coming in) teeth develop into a more favorable position. It is most commonly discussed in pediatric dentistry and early orthodontics, when permanent teeth are emerging. Depending on the case, it may involve monitoring, removable appliances, or small bonded resin “guidance” additions to teeth. The overall goal is to reduce interferences and support a healthier bite development as teeth erupt.

traction of impacted tooth is an orthodontic technique used to guide a tooth that is stuck in the jaw into its correct position. It commonly involves surgically exposing the tooth and bonding an attachment so gentle orthodontic forces can be applied. It is most often used for impacted canines, but it may be used for other impacted teeth in selected cases. The overall goal is to bring the tooth into the dental arch while protecting nearby teeth and supporting tissues.

canine exposure is a dental procedure that uncovers a permanent canine tooth that has not erupted into the mouth. It is most commonly used when an upper (maxillary) canine is impacted (stuck in bone or gum tissue). The goal is to make the tooth accessible so it can erupt naturally or be guided into place with orthodontics. It is typically planned jointly by an orthodontist and a dentist with surgical training (often a periodontist or oral surgeon).

An impacted canine is a canine tooth that does not erupt into the mouth when expected. It is most often discussed for the upper (maxillary) canine, which has a long eruption path. The term is used in dentistry and orthodontics to describe a tooth that is trapped in bone or gum tissue. It matters because canines support bite function and guide jaw movements.

gingival display is the amount of gum tissue (gingiva) that is visible when a person smiles. It is most commonly discussed during cosmetic smile evaluations and orthodontic or periodontal planning. Clinicians may assess gingival display in photos, videos, or during a live smile exam. People sometimes refer to a higher gingival display as a “gummy smile.”