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appliance
(ә-pliĀ“әns)
any of various devices used in dentistry to provide a functional or therapeutic effect, such as a prosthesis, an obturator, or an orthodontic appliance.
fixed appliance
one 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. Called also braces.

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