27509 Agoura Rd, Suite 200, Agoura Hills, CA 91301 Request an Appointment (818) 699-9377
Request an Appointment

Glossary

Cosmetic Dentistry Glossary

Our glossary provides clear definitions of common cosmetic dentistry terms. Become a more informed patient at The Smile Spa.

Explore our dental dictionary to learn about common cosmetic dentistry terms. If you have any other questions or would like to schedule an appointment, we would love to hear from you.

Dentistry

Common Procedures

  • Bonding: Repairing chipped, cracked, or discolored teeth using a tooth-colored resin material.
  • Dental Veneers: Thin shells of porcelain or composite resin that are bonded to the front of teeth to improve their appearance.
  • Gum Contouring: Reshaping the gum line to create a more balanced and aesthetically pleasing smile.
  • Inlays/Onlays: Custom-made fillings that are used to repair larger cavities or those that involve the cusps (points) of a tooth.
  • Teeth Whitening: A procedure to lighten the color of teeth using bleaching agents.

Cosmetic Concerns

  • Crowding: When there is not enough space in the jaw for all the teeth to align properly.
  • Diastema: A gap or space between teeth.
  • Discoloration: Staining or discoloration of teeth caused by food, drinks, smoking, medications, or aging.
  • Misshapen Teeth: Teeth that are abnormally shaped or sized.
  • Stained Teeth: Teeth that have become discolored due to external factors like food, drinks, or smoking.
  • Composite Resin: A tooth-colored material used for fillings, veneers, and bonding.
  • Cosmetic Dentist: A dentist who specializes in improving the appearance of teeth and smiles.
  • Cosmetic Dentistry: Cosmetic dentistry is generally used to refer to any dental work that improves the appearance of your teeth, gums and/or bite.
  • Enamel: The hard, outer layer of the tooth.
  • Esthetics: The study of beauty and the principles of art and design.
  • Full Mouth Reconstruction: A comprehensive treatment plan to restore the function and aesthetics of the entire mouth.
  • Hollywood Smile: A term used to describe a set of teeth that are considered to be perfect or ideal in appearance.
  • Smile Design: The process of planning and creating an aesthetically pleasing smile.
  • Smile Makeover: A combination of cosmetic dental procedures used to enhance the appearance of a smile.
Bonding
Repairing chipped, cracked, or discolored teeth using a tooth-colored resin material.
Gum Contouring
Reshaping the gum line to create a more balanced and aesthetically pleasing smile.
Inlays/Onlays
Custom-made fillings that are used to repair larger cavities or those that involve the cusps (points) of a tooth.
Crowding
When there is not enough space in the jaw for all the teeth to align properly.
Diastema
A gap or space between teeth.
Discoloration
Staining or discoloration of teeth caused by food, drinks, smoking, medications, or aging.
Misshapen Teeth
Teeth that are abnormally shaped or sized.
Stained Teeth
Teeth that have become discolored due to external factors like food, drinks, or smoking.
Composite Resin
A tooth-colored material used for fillings, veneers, and bonding.
Cosmetic Dentist
A dentist who specializes in improving the appearance of teeth and smiles.
Cosmetic Dentistry
Cosmetic dentistry is generally used to refer to any dental work that improves the appearance of your teeth, gums and/or bite.
Enamel
The hard, outer layer of the tooth.
Esthetics
The study of beauty and the principles of art and design.
Full Mouth Reconstruction
A comprehensive treatment plan to restore the function and aesthetics of the entire mouth.
Hollywood Smile
A term used to describe a set of teeth that are considered to be perfect or ideal in appearance.
Smile Design
The process of planning and creating an aesthetically pleasing smile.
Smile Makeover
A combination of cosmetic dental procedures used to enhance the appearance of a smile.