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
Why Straight Teeth are Healthier
Most people think of straight teeth as just a way to look better in photos. But having a straight smile is actually a big part of your health. When your teeth line up right, it does more than look good. It helps your whole mouth work better and stay cleaner. Easier Cleaning for a Healthier…
Eat the Foods You Love Again with Dental Implants
Missing a tooth is more than just a gap in your smile. It can change how you chew your favorite meals and how you feel when you talk to friends. If you have been hiding your smile or avoiding certain foods, dental implants could be the answer. They are designed to look, feel, and work…
Why Oral Cancer Screening Is Important
In honor of Oral Cancer Awareness Month, we are focusing on a simple step that can save lives. When you visit us for a checkup, we look at more than just your teeth. We also screen for oral cancer. This is a quick and easy part of your visit, but it is one of the…
