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Laboratory
A dental facility, separate from the dental office, that fabricates dental
restorations according to specifications provided by the dentist. Fees
charged by the laboratory are separate from fees charged by the dental
office.
Mouthguard
An appliance worn to protect the teeth. There are generally two types: one
that is softer and usually worn as a sports mouthguard, and one that is
fabricated and customized to stabilize the teeth and protect against further
damage. This latter type is known as a precision bite stabilizer.
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Periodontal Disease
This bacterial disease attacks the supporting structures between the teeth
and bone. Several factors can initiate the disease -- systemic conditions,
lack of proper oral hygiene, and excessive stress from a misaligned bite.
Periodontal disease is both preventable and treatable, but can lead to tooth
loss if ignored.
Phases
The five important parts of the diagnostic workup that leads to complete
dentistry: 1. Design and Engineering Phase -- In this phase, the dentist
takes all findings and applies them to the particular case. For example,
taking measurements from photographs and models to determine the proper
sizes and lengths of teeth to fit within the frame created by the lips;
determining if a bite realignment is necessary to eliminate destructive
forces; and creating a three-dimensional mock-up of the proposed treatment
for the patient's review. 2. Stabilization Phase -- Bite realignment is
accomplished, all decay is removed, broken-down teeth are built up, all
functional principles are worked out, and gum tissue is brought into a
healthy state. This is the most important phase, for it is from here that
the beautiful smile blossoms. 3. Referral Phase -- Specialists such as
periodontists, root canal specialists, oral surgeons, and orthodontists are
consulted and utilized if necessary. 4. Restorative Phase -- In this phase,
all treatment is performed in a logical, systematic sequence. 5. Protective
Phase -- The dentist constructs a precision bite stabilizer to protect the
newly restored teeth and stabilize their position to minimize the
introduction of destructive forces. This provides long-term protection for
the entire investment for approximately the cost of one crown.
Repair Dentistry
An outdated approach to dental treatment where individual teeth are repaired
one by one over time without diagnosing the cause of the problems. This
approach always leaves the mouth in some state of disrepair.
Restoration
A term that refers to any filling, crown, onlay, or veneer which is used to
restore a tooth to health.
Veneer
A thin layer of material, either composite resin or ceramic, that is applied
to the surface of the tooth to improve appearance and function. Porcelain
veneer technique is an offshoot of the basic science of cosmetic dental
bonding. Dentists have had materials available to them for decades that are
capable of creating a tenacious bond with tooth enamel. Porcelain veneer
technique utilizes the bonding capability of these materials to securely
attach a thin shell of porcelain (the porcelain veneer) to a tooth. Although
porcelain is inherently brittle, when it is firmly bonded to a sturdy
substructure (a tooth) it becomes very strong and durable. Two of the
greatest advantages of porcelain veneers over other types of cosmetic dental
bonding are:
1) Porcelain veneers create a very life-like tooth appearance.
2) Porcelain veneers resist staining. |
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Tooth Whitening
Commonly referred to as "bleaching", this process brightens and whitens
stained, discolored, or dull teeth using an in-office power bleaching method
or a dentist-supervised, at-home whitening method. Both methods utilize a
form of peroxide -- either carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide -- which
is harmless when used under supervision.
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