Glossary of Dental Terms

Orthodontic Terms

archwire

A wire engaged in orthodontic attachments, affixed to the crowns of two or more teeth and capable of causing or guiding tooth movement.

A thin metal ring, usually stainless steel, which serves to secure orthodontic attachments to a tooth. The band, with orthodontic attachments welded or soldered to it, is closely adapted to fit the contours of the tooth and then cemented into place.

An orthodontic attachment that is secured to a tooth (either by bonding or banding) for the purpose of engaging an archwire. Brackets can be fabricated from metal, ceramic or plastic.

Crystalline, alumina, tooth-shade or clear synthetic sapphire brackets that are aesthetically more attractive than conventional metal attachments.

Dental malalignment caused by inadequate space for the teeth.

The removal of cemented orthodontic bands.

Used to move teeth in prescribed direction (commonly connected to molar band and upper ball hook). Found in numerous colors for better appearance.

gingiva

The tissue that surrounds the teeth, consisting of a fibrous tissue that is continuous with the periodontal ligament and mucosal covering.

headgear

Generic term for extraoral traction (attached around the back side of the head) for growth modification, tooth movement and anchorage.

Herbst appliance

Fixed or removable appliance designed commonly for overbite problems and more.

imaging

The process of acquiring representations of structures in either two or three dimensions.

Of or pertaining to the tongue. A term used to describe surfaces and directions toward the tongue.

Orthodontic appliances fixed to the lingual surface of the teeth.

Of or pertaining to the upper jaw. May be used to describe teeth, dental restorations, orthodontic appliances or facial structures.

A dental specialist who has completed an advanced post-doctoral course, accredited by the American Dental Association, of at least two academic years in the special area of orthodontics.

orthognathic surgery

Surgery to alter relationships of teeth and/or supporting bones, usually accomplished in conjunction with orthodontic therapy.

Vertical overlapping of upper teeth over lower teeth, usually measured perpendicular to the occlusal plane.

A permanent image, typically on film, produced by ionizing radiation. Sometimes called an X-ray after the most common source of image-producing radiation.

retainer

Any orthodontic appliance, fixed or removable, used to maintain the position of the teeth following corrective treatment.

The passive treatment period following active orthodontic correction during which retaining appliances may be used.

A variation of the edgewise appliance in which brackets are angulated to minimize multiple archwire bends. Brackets and molar tubes have specific orientation in three planes of space.

Dental Terms

Abscess

An infection caused by severe tooth decay, trauma or gum disease.

A silver and mercury material used for fillings.

A drug used by your doctor to eliminate a patient’s localized pain during certain dental procedures.

The teeth in the front of your mouth.

An agent that can be applied to living tissues to destroy germs.

The very tip of the root of a tooth.

A suction device your dentist uses to remove saliva from your mouth.

A gel used to whiten and brighten teeth.

A plastic composite painted on the teeth to correct stains or damage.

One or more artificial teeth attached to your adjacent teeth.

The clenching or grinding of teeth, most commonly while sleeping.

Calculus

The hardened plaque that can form on neglected or prone teeth, commonly known as tartar.

The pointy teeth just behind the laterals.

Another name for cavities or decayed teeth.

A tiny hole in the tooth caused by decay.

The two upper and two lower teeth in the center of the mouth.

An artificial tooth or cover made of porcelain or metal.

The pointy teeth just behind the laterals, also known as canines.

The loss of calcium from the teeth.

Also called “baby teeth.”

An implant permanently attached to the jawbone that replaces a missing tooth or teeth.

A removable set of artificial teeth.

The hard surface of the tooth above the gum line.

A dentist who specializes in root canals and the treatment of diseases and infections of the dental pulp (inner tooth).

The removal of a tooth or teeth.

A plug made of metal or composite material used to fill a tooth cavity.

A chemical solution used to harden teeth and prevent decay.

Inflammation of gums around the roots of the teeth.

Gums

The firm flesh that surrounds the roots of the teeth.

Impacted Tooth

Often occurring with wisdom teeth, it is a tooth that sits sideways below the gum line, often requiring extraction.

Incisal

Related to incisors (see below).

Incisor

One of the flat, sharp-edged teeth in the front of the mouth.

Inlays

A custom-made filling cemented into an unhealthy tooth.

Instant Orthodontics

Alternative to braces using bonded porcelain veneers or crowns.

Lateral

These are the teeth adjacent to the centrals.

Night Guard

A plastic mouthpiece worn at night to prevent grinding of the teeth. Often used to treat TMJ.

Pedontist

Also known as a pediatric dentist, a dentist that specializes in the treatment of children’s teeth.

Periodontist

A dentist specializing in the treatment of gum disease.

Plaque

A sticky buildup of acids and bacteria that causes tooth decay.

Posterior Teeth

The teeth in the back of the mouth.

Primary Teeth

Also known as “baby teeth” or deciduous teeth.

Prosthodontist

A dentist specializing in the restoration and replacement of missing teeth or severely damaged teeth.

Root

The portion of the tooth below your gum line.

Root Canal

Cleaning out and filling the inside nerve of a tooth that is heavily decayed.

Sealant

Plastic coating applied to teeth to prevent decay. Used most commonly for children.

Secondary Teeth

The permanent teeth.

Six-Year Molar

Commonly known as “the first molar.”

Sleep Apnea

A potentially serious disorder in which a sleeping person may stop breathing for 10 seconds or more, often continuously throughout the night.

Tartar

See calculus.

TMJ Syndrome

A disorder associated with the joint of the jaw. Often caused by a misalignment of or a disparity in upper and lower jaw sizes.

Tooth Whitening

A process designed to whiten and brighten teeth.

Twelve-Year Molar

Commonly known as “the second molar.”

Veneer

A plastic, porcelain or composite material used to improve the attractiveness of a stained or damaged tooth.