Glossary
Clear Aligners Glossary
Key clear aligner terms — from Invisalign, attachments, and ClinCheck to refinements, retention, and common bite issues aligners correct.
Explore our dental dictionary to learn about common clear aligners terms. If you have any other questions or would like to schedule an appointment, we would love to hear from you.
- Clear Aligners
- Transparent, removable orthodontic appliances that gradually straighten teeth.
- Invisalign
- A popular brand of clear aligners.
- Attachments
- Small, tooth-colored bumps that are bonded to teeth to help the aligners grip and move teeth more effectively.
- Trays
- (Also called "aligners") A series of custom-made, removable appliances worn over the teeth to gradually shift them into proper alignment.
- Aligners
- A series of custom-made aligners that are worn sequentially to move teeth into the desired position.
- ClinCheck
- Invisalign's software that creates a 3D simulation of the tooth movement plan.
- Compliance
- Wearing the aligners for the recommended amount of time each day (typically 20-22 hours).
- Initial Consultation
- The first appointment where the dentist or orthodontist evaluates your teeth and discusses treatment options.
- Impressions
- A mold taken of the teeth to create custom-made aligners (trays).
- iTero
- A brand of 3D intraoral scanner used to create digital impressions of teeth.
- Refinements
- Additional aligners provided after the initial treatment to fine-tune tooth position.
- Retention
- Wearing retainers after treatment to maintain the new tooth position.
- Scanning
- Creating a digital 3D model of your teeth using an intraoral scanner.
- 3D Imaging
- Technology used to create a three-dimensional model of the teeth and jaws for treatment planning.
- Crowding
- When there is not enough space in the jaw for all the teeth to align properly.
- Malocclusion
- Misalignment of the teeth or jaws.
- Open Bite
- When the upper and lower front teeth do not overlap when the mouth is closed.
- Overbite
- When the upper front teeth overlap the lower front teeth excessively.
- Overjet
- When the upper front teeth protrude horizontally over the lower front teeth.
- Spacing
- Gaps or spaces between teeth.
- Underbite
- When the lower front teeth protrude in front of the upper front teeth.
Related Treatment
Invisalign Clear Aligners
Straighten your teeth discreetly with clear, removable aligners — no metal brackets or wires.
Learn about invisalign clear aligners →