Dental terms can get a little confusing. We’ve comprised a glossary of terms for you to review before visiting your cosmetic dentist for dental work (or to reference in case you have no clue what he’s talking about).
Amalgam: a silver or mercury based alloy (blend of metals) predominantly used to fill cavities in your teeth.
Bleaching: the process of whitening your teeth for aesthetic purposes using peroxide.
Cariogenic: used to describe something that causes tooth decay.
Cavities: a hole in your tooth primarily caused by plaque buildup.
Composites: tooth-colored materials used to restore tooth structure and shape.
Cosmetic Dentistry: a form of dentistry used to improve the aesthetic appearance of teeth.
Edentulous: missing the majority of your natural teeth.
General Dentistry: a fundamental form of dentistry that diagnoses, treats, and maintains basic oral health.
Gingivitis: a disease that causes an inflammation of your gums.
Malocclusion: the misalignment of your teeth or jaw structure.
Microair Abrasion: a method of treating tooth decay through delivery of aluminum oxide particles.
Occlusal Surface: the area of your tooth that is used for chewing.
Orthodontics: a form of dentistry that treats misalignment of the teeth and jaw.
Periodontal Disease: a severe inflammation of your gums that causes the deterioration of your jaw bone and loss of teeth.
Plaque: a group of bacteria that can build up and cause tooth decay.
Porcelain Veneers: thin shells of porcelain that are bonded to the front of your teeth for aesthetic and restorative purposes.
Prophylaxis: a routine dental cleaning and preventative treatment.
Prosthodontics: a form of dentistry that restores missing or broken teeth.
Resin: a plastic compound used in oral bonding and restorative treatments.
Restorative dentistry: a form of dentistry that completely restores teeth to their natural form, shape, and structure.
Sealant: a plastic coating applied to teeth to prevent cavities and decay.
TMJ Disorder: an issue relating to the temporomandibular joint in your jaw.
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