Hollywood Smile Dubai | 5 February 2025

Dental terminology can be somewhat perplexing. Before you visit your cosmetic dentist for dental work, review this glossary of words.

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.