Cosmetic Dentistry Vocabulary Boston

Aesthetics

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

Bite

Also called occlusion, refers to how the upper and lower teeth 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™ 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 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 or the 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 mold of teeth and gums to use for fabricating prosthetics and restorations.

Inlay

Restoration that is made in a dental lab and 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 the upper and lower teeth fit together.

Onlay

Restoration that is made in a dental lab and 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 the 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.