Cosmetic Dentistry Vocabulary

Aesthetics:

Also esthetics. Having to do with a beautiful appearance. Refers to cosmetic dentistry.

AACD:

American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry.

Bite:

Also called occlusion, refers to how upper and lower teeth and fit together.

Braces:

Also called orthodontics or orthodontia, braces are generally composed of wires and brackets. They use tension to realign permanent teeth for better occlusion, esthetics, and/or spacing. Clear braces or aligners, such as Invisalign or Red, White, and Blue are now popular alternatives to traditional metal braces.

Composite Resin:

Plastic dental filling or bonding material that contains small glass or ceramic particles. Applied as a liquid and cured with a light or chemical catalyst.

Cosmetic Dentistry:

Also called esthetic or aesthetic dentistry. Procedures that correct imperfections in the appearance of a smile. Can include teeth whitening, veneers, etc.

Crown:

Portion of a tooth that extends above the gum line. Also refers to a lab-made restoration known as a cap. Also refers to the false tooth placed on a dental implant.

Dentition:

Arrangement of teeth.

Enamel:

White, hard tissue, outer layer of the portion of a tooth that extends above the gum line. Covers dentin.

Filling:

Amalgam or composite resin material that replaces tooth decay.

Gingiva:

Gum tissue.

Gingivectomy:

Surgical removal (reduction) of gum tissue for esthetics or crown lengthening.

Impression:

A soft mold of teeth and gums to use for fabricating prosthetics and restorations.

Inlay:

Restoration made in a dental lab, then bonded into the area of a tooth between cusps. Larger and stronger than a filling, yet not as significant as a crown.

Instant Orthodontics:

Application of veneers to correct the appearance of misaligned front teeth for cosmetic reasons.

Intraoral Camera:

Small camera, usually on a "wand." Projects images from inside the mouth onto a monitor. Used for accurate diagnoses, patient education, records, and insurance claims.

Laminate:

Lab-made porcelain or plastic veneer bonded to the front of a tooth.

Malocclusion:

Misalignment of teeth that affects the bite, or how upper and lower teeth fit together.

Occlusion:

Also called bite, refers to how upper and lower teeth and fit together.

Onlay:

Restoration made in a dental lab, then bonded into one or more cusps of a tooth. Larger and stronger than a filling, yet not as significant as a crown.

Orthodontics:

Dental specialty that deals with alignment of teeth.

Prosthesis:

Also called a prosthetic, refers to a false tooth or appliance such as a bridge, denture, partial, or dental implant.

Smile Makeover:

A treatment plan that includes various cosmetic and esthetic restorative procedures to improve the appearance of a smile.

Teeth Whitening:

Bleaching teeth with chemicals. Can be done in one hour with a light or with trays worn daily for about two weeks.

Veneer:

Cosmetic dental treatment that involves lab-made porcelain or plastic wafers bonded to front teeth to mask chips, cracks, misalignments, or other imperfections.

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