Cosmetic Dentistry Glossary of Terms

a small titanium rod fixed into the jaw and used to support a porcelain crown as a replacement for missing teeth

a wafer thin ceramic cover for the tooth, akin to a false finger nail and used to cover stained, cracked or unsightly teeth

a technique using dental bleach, often in conjunction with an accelerating light source to lighten the teeth and mask unsightly stains

a technique whereby a tooth coloured composite is fixed to the teeth to cover unsightly cracks and defects

a combination of cosmetic dentistry techniques used to completely correct a defective smile

a technique using a laser to trim excess gum from the teeth to improve the smile line

near invisible tooth coloured material used for fillings and a preferred alternative to old fashioned mercury amalgam fillings

the process of orthodontics whereby crooked teeth are straightened using traditional dental "wires" or modern "clear" (Invisalign or Clear Step) braces