Dental Glossary: Orthodontic and Oral Health Terms

A collection of pus that forms at the tip of a tooth root or in the gums as a result of infection. It may come with pain, swelling and fever; root canal treatment, drainage or extraction may be needed.

A traditional, silver-colored filling material made from a metal alloy. Today it has largely been replaced by tooth-colored composite fillings.

The 20 teeth that erupt in childhood and are gradually replaced by permanent teeth. Keeping them healthy is important because they hold space for the permanent teeth.

A natural or synthetic material used to support new bone formation in areas with insufficient bone volume, for example before an implant.

A fixed prosthesis that closes the gap of a missing tooth by taking support from the teeth on either side. Because the supporting teeth are joined together, they cannot be moved individually.

The unconscious clenching or grinding of the teeth. It usually occurs during sleep and can lead to tooth wear, jaw pain and headaches.

A radiographic method that produces three-dimensional images of the teeth and jawbones (CBCT). It is used for implants, impacted teeth and some orthodontic treatment planning.

A fixed restoration that completely covers the outer surface of a tooth (crown). It can be made of porcelain, zirconia or metal-supported materials.

A thin thread used to clean the surfaces between the teeth that a toothbrush cannot reach.

A sticky layer of bacteria that builds up on tooth surfaces. It is the main cause of tooth decay and gum disease and is removed by brushing and flossing.

The hard tissue beneath the enamel that forms the main body of the tooth. When exposed, it can cause sensitivity.

A gap between two teeth; it is most commonly seen between the upper front teeth. It can be closed with orthodontic treatment or restorations.

A decrease in saliva production (xerostomia). It can be related to medications, certain systemic diseases and age; it increases the risk of tooth decay and gum problems.

The outermost layer of the tooth and the hardest tissue in the body. It cannot regenerate and can be lost through acid and wear.

The branch of dentistry that deals with diseases of the tooth pulp and root canals. Root canal treatment is the core procedure of this field.

A material placed to replace tooth structure lost to decay or fracture. Today, tooth-colored composite is most commonly used.

A protective flowable filling applied to the deep grooves on the chewing surfaces of back teeth to reduce the risk of decay. It is mostly applied in children.

A mineral that strengthens enamel against acid attacks. It is found in toothpaste and can also be applied by the dentist as a varnish.

Redness, swelling and bleeding of the gums caused by dental plaque (gingivitis). It is usually reversible with good oral hygiene and professional cleaning.

The pulling back of the gum line so that the root surface of the tooth becomes exposed. It is associated with factors such as improper brushing, gum disease and teeth clenching.

A tooth that has not erupted into the mouth when it should have. It is most common in wisdom teeth and upper canines.

An artificial root, usually made of titanium, placed in the jawbone to replace the root of a lost tooth. A crown or prosthesis is built on top of it; it cannot be moved orthodontically.

A small, thin brush used to clean the spaces between teeth and around fixed orthodontic appliances.

The joint that connects the lower jaw to the skull (temporomandibular joint, TMJ). Pain, clicking sounds and limited mouth opening can indicate problems with this joint.

A deviation of the teeth and jaws from their normal relationship; crowding, open bite, deep bite and crossbite all fall into this group.

The period when baby teeth and permanent teeth are present in the mouth at the same time; for most children, this is roughly between ages 6 and 12.

The way the upper and lower teeth come together when you bite. One of the main goals of orthodontic treatment is to achieve a balanced occlusion.

The specialty that deals with the diagnosis and treatment of misaligned teeth and jaws. Fixed braces and clear aligners are used in this field.

The surgical correction of significant skeletal jaw discrepancies, combined with orthodontic treatment. It requires joint planning by a jaw surgeon and an orthodontist.

The amount by which the upper front teeth vertically overlap the lower front teeth when the mouth is closed. When it is excessive, it is called a deep bite.

The horizontal distance by which the upper front teeth sit in front of the lower front teeth. When it increases, the front teeth appear tilted forward (protruding).

A two-dimensional X-ray that shows all the teeth, the jawbones and the jaw joints in a single image. It is commonly used during examinations.

Dentistry for children. It focuses on the oral and dental health of children during the primary and mixed dentition stages.

The progression of gum inflammation into the bone and connective tissue that support the tooth. If left untreated, it can lead to loose teeth and tooth loss.

The branch of dentistry that deals with diseases of the gums and the tissues that support the teeth.

The removal of tartar and stains with special instruments by the dentist, followed by polishing of the tooth surfaces.

The general term for artificial structures that replace missing teeth. They can be fixed (crowns, bridges, implant-supported restorations) or removable (partial or complete dentures).

The soft tissue at the center of the tooth that contains nerves and blood vessels (the tooth's core). When inflamed, it can cause severe pain.

A treatment in which inflamed or dead tooth pulp is removed and the root canals are cleaned and filled. Its aim is to preserve the tooth in the mouth.

A brief, sharp twinge in a tooth triggered by cold, heat, sweets or brushing. It is associated with exposed dentin and gum recession.

A deposit formed when dental plaque that is not cleaned away hardens (tartar). It cannot be removed by brushing; the dentist removes it with professional cleaning.

Lightening the color of the teeth with whitening gels applied under a dentist's supervision. It can be done in the clinic or at home with trays prepared by the dentist.

A dental disease caused by acids produced by dental plaque dissolving the enamel and dentin. In early stages it is treated with a filling, and in advanced stages with root canal treatment.

A thin porcelain or composite shell (veneer) bonded to the front surface of a tooth. It is used to correct color and shape.

The rearmost large molars in the mouth. When there is not enough space, they can remain impacted or partially erupt and cause problems.

A durable ceramic material that contains no metal, used for crowns and bridges. It provides an appearance close to natural tooth color.