Glossary · Miami
Dentistry in plain words.
Clear, jargon-free definitions of the cosmetic and restorative dentistry terms you'll hear at your consultation. When a term matches a treatment we provide, it links straight to that page.
- Porcelain Veneer
- A thin, custom-made shell of dental porcelain bonded to the front of a tooth to change its color, shape, size or alignment. Hand-layered veneers are the cornerstone of a natural-looking smile makeover. See treatment →
- Smile Design
- A comprehensive, planned approach to reshaping a smile — combining treatments like veneers, whitening and alignment — usually with a digital preview of the result before any work begins. See treatment →
- Composite Bonding
- A minimally invasive procedure in which tooth-colored resin is applied and sculpted directly onto a tooth to repair chips, close small gaps or reshape it — usually in a single visit and without removing enamel. See treatment →
- Teeth Whitening
- A cosmetic treatment that uses professional-grade peroxide gels to lighten the color of the teeth, removing stains from food, drink, tobacco and age. Available as in-office and take-home options. See treatment →
- Dental Crown
- A custom cap that covers a damaged, decayed or root-canal-treated tooth, restoring its shape, strength and appearance. Modern crowns are made of porcelain or zirconia to match natural teeth. See treatment →
- Dental Bridge
- A fixed restoration that replaces one or more missing teeth by anchoring artificial teeth to the natural teeth (or implants) on either side of the gap. See treatment →
- Dental Implant
- A small titanium post surgically placed in the jawbone to act as an artificial tooth root, onto which a crown, bridge or denture is attached. Implants are the most durable way to replace missing teeth. See treatment →
- Osseointegration
- The biological process by which a dental implant fuses with the surrounding jawbone over several months, creating the stable foundation that lets an implant function like a natural tooth root. See treatment →
- All-on-4
- A full-arch restoration technique that replaces all the teeth in an upper or lower jaw using just four dental implants to support a fixed set of teeth — often placed in a single day. See treatment →
- Denture
- A removable (or implant-supported) prosthetic that replaces a full or partial set of missing teeth and the surrounding gum tissue, restoring the ability to eat, speak and smile. See treatment →
- Full-Mouth Reconstruction
- A coordinated, multi-specialty treatment plan that rebuilds all of the teeth in both jaws — combining restorative, periodontal, endodontic and cosmetic work to restore function and appearance. See treatment →
- Invisalign
- A brand of clear, removable orthodontic aligners that gradually straighten the teeth without metal braces. Treatment uses a series of custom trays planned from a 3D scan. See treatment →
- Root Canal (Endodontics)
- A procedure that removes infected or damaged pulp from inside a tooth, then cleans, disinfects and seals it — relieving pain and saving a tooth that would otherwise need extraction. See treatment →
- Gingivitis
- The early, reversible stage of gum disease, marked by red, swollen gums that may bleed when brushing. With professional cleaning and good home care it can be fully reversed before it causes bone loss. See treatment →
- Periodontitis (Gum Disease)
- The advanced stage of gum disease, in which infection below the gumline forms pockets that destroy the bone and ligament holding teeth in place. It is the leading cause of adult tooth loss and must be actively managed. See treatment →
- Scaling and Root Planing (Deep Cleaning)
- A non-surgical periodontal treatment that removes plaque and tartar from below the gumline and smooths the tooth roots so the gums can reattach — the standard treatment for periodontitis. See treatment →
- Bruxism
- The habitual grinding or clenching of teeth, often during sleep, which can wear down enamel, crack restorations and cause jaw pain. It is commonly managed with a custom night guard.
