DENTAL GLOSSARY
DENTAL GLOSSARY

COSMETIC DENTISTRY IN PORT WASHINGTON, NY

Below, you will find many common dental terms that will help you understand the services we provide.
Please give us a call if you have any questions.

COMMON TERMS & DEFINITIONS

BONDING
This technique is used to attach dental restorations such as white composite fillings, veneers, crowns, and bridges to teeth. 

BRIDGE
Attached to your existing teeth on either side of a gap, this permanent prosthetic replaces one or more missing teeth.

CAP
This is another common name for a crown.

COMPOSITE RESIN
This is a filling material for teeth and is tooth-colored to give a natural look.

CROWN
A crown is a covering that helps to strengthen and reshape a damaged tooth.

DENTURE
This is a removable prosthetic that is used to replace some or all of the teeth missing in the upper or lower jaw.

GINGIVA
More commonly known as gums, this is the soft tissue that surrounds the teeth.

GINGIVECTOMY
This modification makes the teeth and smile look better by treating the "gums.”

IMPRESSION
This is a rubber-like mold of the teeth.

IMPLANT
Acting as artificial teeth roots, these are titanium posts that are surgically embedded into the jawbone.

INLAYS
These are porcelain tooth restorations fabricated in a laboratory.
ONLAYS
Extending over the edges of the tooth defect and strengthening the tooth, this is a porcelain tooth restoration that is fabricated in a laboratory to fill the defect.

OPEN BITE
This is a dental condition in which the upper and lower front teeth do not meet.

OVERBITE
This is the amount that the upper front teeth overlap the lower front teeth when closing.

PERIODONTIST
This is a dental professional that specializes in the treatment of gums.

PORCELAIN VENEERS
Used to improve the appearance and strength of the tooth, these thin facings are bonded to the front, visible part of the tooth.

PROSTHESIS
This refers to any artificial tooth replacement appliance, including bridges, dentures, or implants.

PROSTHODONTIST
This is a dental professional who specializes in the restoration and replacement of damaged or decayed teeth.

SMILE CONTOURING
This procedure involves the selective reshaping of parts of teeth to improve their appearance.

WHITE FILLINGS
This is a composite tooth filling material that will match the natural color of the tooth.
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