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Glossary of Dental Terms

A handy reference

Common Dental Terms

We’ve put together this handy reference guide of terms you might hear when speaking with your dentist or support staff.

Please don’t hesitate to ask your dental care provider for clarification. We’re here to help make your experience as pleasant as possible!

Mastication

The process of chewing food.

Maxilla

The upper jaw.

Molars

The three back teeth in each dental quadrant used for grinding food.

Mucogingival Junction (MGJ)

The meeting of thick, protective gingival tissue around the teeth and the mucous lining of the cheeks and lips.

Malocclusion

A ‘bad bite’ or misalignment of the upper and lower teeth.

Managed Care

A program whereby patient-dentist assignment and dentist reimbursement is administered by a separate, external organization.

Mandible

The lower jaw.

Margin

The interface between a restoration and tooth structure.

Maryland Bridge

A bridge that is bonded to the back of the adjacent teeth and requires minimum tooth reduction.

Resources

The Benefits of Straight Teeth

Did you know that August 11th is National Align Your Teeth Day? It might not be a widely recognized holiday, but wanting a healthier, more confident smile is something many of us can relate to. Straight teeth don’t just look great. They can genuinely transform how you feel and even improve your overall oral health.…

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Celebrating Your Smart Choice for a Healthier Smile!

It’s July, and that means it’s time to celebrate! We’re thinking about freedom, sunshine, and all the wonderful things that make us smile. And guess what? We’re also celebrating YOU! We know you have the freedom to choose where you go for your dental care. And we truly believe you made the right choice by…

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Smile Savers: Finding a Dentist When You’re Miles From Home!

There’s nothing quite like hitting the open road, exploring a new city, or soaking up the sun on a faraway beach. But with all the excitement of travel, have you ever stopped to think about your pearly whites? Probably not, right? Dental care is usually the last thing on your mind when you’re packing your…

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