Glossary

Glossary of some Cosmetic Dental Terms

Bonding : The technique of applying composite resin or porcelain to the teeth by etching the tooth surface and using special adhesives to attach the composite resin or porcelain to the tooth.

Caps or Crowns : The restoration of teeth with colour-matched porcelain. Made from porcelain, crowns are bonded to the prepared tooth, providing lasting changes by altering the colour, shape or position of the tooth.

Diastema : A space or gap that occurs between two adjacent teeth.

Gum Lift : The gum line is surgically lifted, exposing more of the tooth that is buried under the gums, yielding a more balanced appearance as well as longer looking teeth.

Implants : Surgically placed, artificial tooth replacements.

Orthodontics (Braces) : The movement of teeth to healthier and more esthetic positions.

Veneers : Equivalent to the "false finger nails" of Dentistry. Made from porcelain, veneers are bonded to the prepared tooth, providing lasting changes by altering the colour, shape or position. The platinum standard of Cosmetic Dentistry.

Whitening of Teeth (Bleaching) : Can be accomplished through various means. The three most common means are: Home Whitening, Power Bleaching and Laser Bleaching.

Implants : Surgically placed into the site where teeth are missing, they are can be used to replace single teeth or to secure dentures when multiple teeth are missing.

Amalgam : The silver-mercury filling material used for over 100 years in dentistry. Many concerns have been voiced over the safety of this material due to the mercury content. Dr. Waldman had chosen not to use this material in her practice.

Composite Resin : Tooth coloured "Plastic like" material used to restore teeth to a natural appearance, restoring decay or changing tooth appearance.

Cusp : the part of the molar or bicuspid that is pointed (unless worn down) and used to grind and tear food.

Dentin : The tooth material directly under the enamel layer. It is somewhat softer than enamel and more yellow in colour.

Diastema: A space or gap that occurs between two adjacent teeth.

Enamel : Enamel is the outermost layer of a healthy tooth. It is translucent is nature, as well as very hard and shiny.

Gingival : a dental term to describe "gums". (see Gummy Smiles)

Inlays : smaller than "Onlays", these are used to replace tooth structure that is missing due to decay, old restorations (fillings) or fractures; can be made from new "high tech" plastics such as ceromers, composite resin or from various types of porcelain.

Margin : the interface where the restoration meets the natural tooth. Margins of "porcelain fused to metal" crowns often appear dark or have a dark line near the gingiva (due to the absence of light transmission to the root of the tooth). This problem has been solved by the use of "All Porcelain Crowns" allowing for the creation of a natural looking restoration.

Onlays : Essentially the same as inlays, except that they restore a larger portion of the tooth including part or all of a cusp.

Orthodontics : the movement of teeth into healthier and more esthetic positions in the mouth. This is accomplished through the use of "braces" (wires and brackets) or removable devices called "orthodontic appliances".

Porcelain : a glass-like substance (much like porcelain dishes), that is made in special ovens. It is used to create dental restorations such as veneers, crowns, onlays, inlays and bridges.

Home whitening : Home whitening is achieved through the use of custom made clear acrylic arch forms "trays". The patient is provided with two trays, one for each of the upper or lower arches. The patient places a special whitening gel into each tray, which are then worn for a few hours at a time.

Power Bleaching : This is accomplished through the careful application of a chemical directly to the teeth in a controlled dental office environment. Visible results are much faster, often within 2 hours.