Terminology in ODF
The vocabulary of orthodontists is reminiscent of a foreign language (jargon) and gives an impression of unnecessary complexity.
But it reflects the need for a precise means of expression that is unanimously understood.
This is the role of orthodontic terminology
- DEFINITION AND HISTORY:
Terminology = “Alphabetical list of terms used in a particular field, not necessarily complete or systematic and, in general, not accompanied by definitions” According to the Dictionary of Medicine and Biology.
Orthodontic terminology is a purely descriptive designation of anatomical structures (in this case cephalic), without pathological, pathogenic or nosological aim.
Current orthodontic terminology:
- Adopted in 1936 by the International Dental Foundation (FDI) and the Society
French School of Dentofacial Orthopedics (SFODF).
This is IZARD’s terminology, taken from various works by authors (FREY, LEMIERE, G.
VILLAIN).
- Completed in 1968 by the Nomenclature Commission of the S.FODF (J. CAUHEPE,
M. CHATEAU, J. HESKIA, O’MEYER, J. SOLEIL)
- In part, it borrows general anatomical terminology.
- Specific terminology has been developed regarding teeth and
the dental arches.
- Updated since 1996 by a SFODF Terminology Commission
- COMPOSITION :
THE PRINCIPLE
The principle in very simple:
Prefix+Radical+Qualifying adjective(s)
Ideally, etymological identity (Greek or Latin) of the prefix and the radical.
THE RADICAL:
Refers to either the anatomical structure or the nature of the deformation
(dysmorphosis)
THE PREFIX:
Noted
- the form
- the volume
- the position or topography (in the 3 directions of space)
- the report
- the number
THE ADJECTIVE
Indicates location and morphological features.
- THE RADICALS
1°) The anatomical structure (often from Greek)
- skull = cephalus jaws = – gnathia
- face = prosopia maxillary
- base of the skull = base of the mandible
- chin = genius lip = cheek
- tongue = glossia cheek = melia
- symphysis = symphysis tooth = tooth
- alveolar process = alveolus mandibular corpus = corpie
The root odontie is pronounced “odoncie” (Ex. Orthodontie )
The radical gnathie is pronounced “gnati” because it contains an h (Ex. Endognathie)
2°) Nature of deformation (often from Latin)
Example: position, rotation, version, gression, clusion, harmony, plasia, trophy.
- ADJECTIVES
( One or more as needed )
They indicate:
- membership:- maxillary, mandibular, alveolar, coronal, apical radicular.
- seat:- upper, lower, anterior, posterior, lateral,…
- unimaxillary, biimaxillary ,
- laterality:- unilateral, bilateral, right, left,…
- quantity:- partial, total,…
- quality:- symmetrical, asymmetrical, …
- PREFIXES
To mark normality, only normo is retained
- In shape
- Antero-posterior direction:
- Brachy (short)
- meso
- long ( long)
- Transverse sense
- eury (large)
- meso
- lepto (narrow)
- In size (or volume)
- micro (small)
- macro (large)
- hypo (insufficiency)
- hyper (excess)
- of position (topography)
- Compared to the 3 dimensions of space
| anteroposterior | transverse | vertical |
| pro- | endo – | infra |
| normo – retro- | exo- latero- | above |
-gnathia
-maxilla
+radical - mandible
- clusie
- alveoli
- cheilie
- Teeth in relation to the dental arch
RADICAL ADJECTIVE
vestibulo – linguo –
mesio – distortion –
infra supra
Position version rotation clusion regression
Molar premolar canine incisor right-left
anterior-posterior
NB To indicate the physiological and not pathological nature of the character
FERNEX replaces the radicals in… ie with the same in… ism .
Ex.: Vietnamese brachygnathism
Biproalveolarism in Africans, etc.
The orthodontic terminology from IZARD is very complete (100 terms), perfectly precise and adapted to our needs.
It is purely descriptive of the dental anomalies and craniofacial dysmorphoses mentioned.
Terminology in ODF
Wisdom teeth can cause infections if not removed.
Dental crowns restore the function and appearance of damaged teeth.
Swollen gums are often a sign of periodontal disease.
Orthodontic treatments can be performed at any age.
Composite fillings are discreet and durable.
Composite fillings are discreet and durable.
Interdental brushes effectively clean tight spaces.
Visiting the dentist every six months prevents dental problems.