A Glossary of Cosmetic Dental Terms Rifkin Raanan Beverly Hills Cosmetic Dentistry

Dental terms can get a little confusing. We’ve comprised a glossary of terms for you to review before visiting your cosmetic dentist for dental work (or to reference in case you have no clue what he’s talking about).

Popular Terms Used by Cosmetic Dentists

Amalgam: a silver or mercury based alloy (blend of metals) predominantly used to fill cavities in your teeth.

Bleaching: the process of whitening your teeth for aesthetic purposes using peroxide.

Cariogenic: used to describe something that causes tooth decay.

Cavities: a hole in your tooth primarily caused by plaque buildup.

Composites: tooth-colored materials used to restore tooth structure and shape.

Cosmetic Dentistry: a form of dentistry used to improve the aesthetic appearance of teeth.

Edentulous: missing the majority of your natural teeth.

General Dentistry: a fundamental form of dentistry that diagnoses, treats, and maintains basic oral health.

Gingivitis: a disease that causes an inflammation of your gums.

Malocclusion: the misalignment of your teeth or jaw structure.

Microair Abrasion: a method of treating tooth decay through delivery of aluminum oxide particles.

Occlusal Surface: the area of your tooth that is used for chewing.

Orthodontics: a form of dentistry that treats misalignment of the teeth and jaw.

Periodontal Disease: a severe inflammation of your gums that causes the deterioration of your jaw bone and loss of teeth.

Plaque: a group of bacteria that can build up and cause tooth decay.

Porcelain Veneers: thin shells of porcelain that are bonded to the front of your teeth for aesthetic and restorative purposes.

Prophylaxis: a routine dental cleaning and preventative treatment.

Prosthodontics: a form of dentistry that restores missing or broken teeth.

Resin: a plastic compound used in oral bonding and restorative treatments.

Restorative dentistry: a form of dentistry that completely restores teeth to their natural form, shape, and structure.

Sealant: a plastic coating applied to teeth to prevent cavities and decay.

TMJ Disorder: an issue relating to the temporomandibular joint in your jaw.

Schedule Your Appointment Today

Book your appointment for cosmetic or restorative dentistry with the top Beverly Hills cosmetic dentists Drs. Rifkin & Raanan