Amalgam – This is a silver and mercury mixture that is used for fillings.
Arch – Collectively, this refers to either the teeth or the basal bone of either jaw.
Bonding – The process where a tooth-colored resin is applied to repair and/or change the color or
shape of a tooth, most often a front tooth
Bruxism – Refers to the involuntary “nervous” clenching or grinding of your teeth, especially at
night while asleep.
Caries – This is another term for tooth decay
Cavity – A small hole in your teeth that is caused by tooth decay.
Class I Malocclusion – (most common) Refers to when your bite is normal but your upper teeth
slightly overlap the lower teeth
Class II Malocclusion – Where your upper jaw and teeth overlap severely the bottom jaw and
teeth. This is also referred to as an “overbite” or “buck teeth”
Class III Malocclusion – Refers to when the lower jaw protrudes forward, causing the lower jaw
and teeth to overlap the upper jaw and teeth. This is also called an “underbite”.
Closed bite – (or “deep bite”) A malocclusion where the upper teeth cover the lower teeth when
you bite down.
Cosmetic Dentistry – The aesthetic improvement of the color and shape of teeth performed by a
general dentist
Crossbite – Is an abnormal bite relationship of the upper and lower jaw. The lower teeth/tooth
align toward the cheek or lip side more than the upper teeth or tooth.
Crowding – An Orthodontic problem caused by having too many teeth in two small of a space.
Crown – The part of your tooth above your gum. Also, a crown is referred to as a dental appliance that
replaces and covers the entire part of a tooth above the gum line.
Decalcification – The loss of calcium from your teeth, weakening your teeth and makes them
more susceptible to decay.
Dental Implant – This is usually a titanium cylinder that is surgically placed in the bone of the
upper or lower jaw to replace the root of a missing tooth
Dentition – Term to denote the arrangement of the teeth.
Denture – A synthetic replacement for all of your teeth in either your upper or your lower jaw.
Diastema – Refers to a space between two teeth.
Endodontist – Is a dentist who specializes in root canals and the treatment of diseases or
injuries that affect the root tips or nerves in your teeth.
Eruption – When a new tooth comes in, the tooth is said to erupt when the tooth breaks through
the surface of your gums.
Gingivitis – The mildest form of gum disease: inflammation of gum. The earliest sign is bleeding
gum and the first sign of periodontal (gum) disease. This is brought on by the bacteria in dental
plaque if it is not removed on a daily basis.
Impacted tooth – An unerupted tooth that is not able to come in normally or is stuck beneath
another tooth or bone.
Impressions – The first step in making a model of your teeth. You bite into a container filled with
algenate, which hardens to produce a mold of your teeth.
Implant – Usually a replacement for one or more missing teeth. The implant differs from a bridge
in that the implant is permanently attached into your jaw.
Lingual arch – Is an orthodontic wire attached from molar to molar in the inside of your teeth.
Malocclusion – (often called crooked teeth or a “poor bite”) refers to the improper fit and alignment of
the teeth and jaws. A common cause of malocclusion is teeth that have too much or too little room in
the jaw.
Mandibular – Term for the lower jaw
Maxillary – Term for the upper jaw
Open bite – A type of malocclusion where the teeth do not close or come together in the front of
your mouth
Orthodontics – Is a specialized field in dentistry, involving the diagnosis, prevention, and
treatment of bite abnormalities or facial irregularities.
Orthodontist – A dentist who has been specially trained to perform orthodontics.
Overbite – Is the vertical overlapping of the upper teeth over the lower teeth.
Overjet – Is the horizontal projection of upper teeth beyond the lower teeth.
Panoramic X-ray – An X-ray taken by a machine that rotates around your head to give the
orthodontist a picture of your teeth, jaws and other important information.
Periodontal – Referring to the gums.
Periodontist – A dentist who specializes in the treatment of diseases of your gums.
Plaque – A colorless, odorless, sticky substance containing acids and bacteria that causes
tooth decay.
Prophylaxis – Cleaning or polishing your teeth. It also means the prevention of diseases.
Proximal – Refers to the surfaces of teeth that touch the next tooth; the space between adjacent
teeth is the interproximal space.
TMD – (or Temperomandibular Disorder); the term given to the condition characterized by facial pain
and restricted ability to open or move the jaw
TMJ – An abbreviation for the “Temporomandibular Joint”. This is the joint where your lower
jaw connects to your skull.
TMJD – (or Temporomandibular Joint Disorder); refers to the condition characterized by facial pain
and restricted ability to open or move the jaw
