Glossary
we understand that dentistry is our profession, not yours! We have included some terms that we use regularly to help you understand some of the services available to you to improve your smile.
Bleaching (also known as whitening)
the process of brightening or whitening stained, discoloured, or dull teeth through a dentist supervised application.
Bonding
the process by which enamel-like resin is bonded to the tooth's surface, sculpted into shape, hardened and polished. Bonding can be used to attach white composite fillings, veneers, crowns and bridges.
Braces
metal or ceramic brackets are adhered to the teeth and attached to wires to move them into the desired positions.
Bridge
a fixed replacement for one or more teeth. Artificial teeth/tooth are attached to crowns placed on adjacent teeth, spanning the gap left by the missing teeth/tooth.
Cap
a common name for a crown.
Composite resin
tooth-coloured filling material made of resin reinforced with silica or porcelain.
Cosmetic contouring
minor adjustments to the edges of the teeth to give a smoother or more rounded appearance.
Crown
porcelain crowns are like a thimble that covers the tooth and not only strengthens it but can change the shape and colour.
Denture
a removable prosthetic designed to replace missing teeth in the upper or lower jaw.
Enamel
the hard, white outer layer of the tooth that covers and protects the tooth.
Gingiva
the soft tissue surrounding the teeth commonly known as the gums.
Gingivectomy
the modification of the "gums" to make the teeth and the smile appear more pleasing.
Gingivitis
the inflammation of the gingiva or "gums" caused by bacteria. If not treated early can lead to periodontitis which is irreversible.
Impression
a mould of the teeth made with a special, rubber-like material.
Implant
Dental Implants are titanium posts surgically embedded into the jawbone to act as artificial teeth roots for the replacement of missing teeth.
Incisor
central or lateral front teeth with cutting edges (4 upper and 4 lower).
Inlays
porcelain, resin or gold fillings (made to fit a prepared cavity) cemented in place to help restore a decayed or broken tooth often used to replace large amalgam fillings.
Malocclusion
a bad bite caused by incorrect positions of the upper or lower teeth.
Midline
an imaginary vertical line that divides the face into equal parts.
Mouth tray
a removable, clear plastic mouthguard type appliance worn over the upper or lower teeth.
Onlays
a porcelain restoration that fills and restores a defect in the tooth. It extends over the edges of the defect to hold the remaining parts of the tooth together, thereby strengthening the tooth.
Orthodontics
Othodontics is the practice of straightening and aligning the teeth using braces.
Overbite
the amount upper front teeth overlap lower front teeth when closing.
Partial denture
a removable dental appliance that replaces some missing teeth.
Periodontitis
the advanced stage of gingivitis (gum disease) that can include bleeding gums, sensitivity, gum detachment and recession. There can also be bone loss and eventually tooth loss.
Periodontist
A Periodontist is a dental specialist concerned with the treatment of the gums.
Porcelain veneers
Porcelain Veneers are thin ceramic, tooth coloured facings bonded to the visible part of the tooth to improve its appearance and enhance strength.
Prosthesis
A Prothesis is an artificial appliance such as a bridge, denture, or implant, used to replace missing teeth.
Root canal treatment or therapy
Root Canal Therapy is a dental treatment involving the removal of a diseased or injured nerve from the tooth.
Rubber dam
Rubber Dam is a thin rubber sheet applied to teeth to control moisture during dental procedures.
Veneers
Veneers are ultra-thin, specially made laminates bonded to teeth. (Veneers have the ability to change the shape and size, colour and alignment of teeth).
White fillings
White dental fillings are a plastic type filling material that matches the colour of the tooth.
