Brushing up on terms

Bridge

A fixed or removable dental appliance, which, as the name suggests, bridges a gap between teeth. Composite filling

A white filling material made of resin and reinforced with silica or porcelain particles. Crown

A cover or cap in the shape and color of a tooth which is inserted onto the existing tooth to correct bite or replace part of a broken tooth. Orthodontics

Branch of dentistry that deals with preventing or correcting irregularities of the teeth; uses a variety of braces and surgical techniques to straighten teeth

Veneers (porcelain or composite)

Specially made porcelain resin bonded to the enamel of the front teeth to reshape them or to repair chipped, cracked, or worn teeth.

Whitening/bleaching

Process of brightening or whitening stained, discolored, or dull teeth with bleaching substances