What the Words Your Dentist Uses Actually Mean
When you sit down in the dental chair, your dentist may use terms that sound technical, confusing, or even intimidating. Words like “occlusion,” “abutment,” or “osseointegration” can leave you nodding politely without really understanding what’s going on. That’s why it’s important to decode the language of the dental office—so you feel empowered, informed, and ready to ask the right questions.
In this article, we’ll walk through some of the most common dental terms, and we’ll also show how an Orthodontist would use them in their own domain of aligning teeth and jaws. By understanding what your provider is really talking about, you’ll feel confident and clearer about your oral-health decisions.
1. Occlusion & Bite
When your dentist mentions “occlusion,” they mean how your upper and lower teeth come together when your mouth is closed. A correct occlusion fits smoothly and allows you to chew, speak, and bite without pain or wear. A mis-occlusion can lead to grinding, jaw soreness, or uneven tooth wear.
An Orthodontist deals with occlusion from a different angle: they adjust tooth positions, align jaws, and create harmonious fits so that occlusion and bite are balanced. When an Orthodontist talks about “correcting bite” or “overbite,” they’re working on occlusion.
2. Crown, Bridge and Implant
Your dentist might mention that a tooth needs a “crown” (a cap placed on a damaged tooth), a “bridge” (a structure connecting one or more missing teeth), or an “implant” (a titanium screw in the bone acting as the root of a missing tooth). Each of these terms refers to restoring function and appearance.
An Orthodontist may work alongside these treatments: for example, after the crown or implant is placed, the Orthodontist ensures that surrounding teeth are properly aligned so the restoration fits in comfortably and the bite remains balanced.
3. Periodontal / Gingival / Gum
These words relate to your gums and the supporting structures around your teeth. “Periodontal” refers to the tissues and bone supporting teeth, while “gingival” refers more specifically to the gums. If your dentist calls for a “periodontal evaluation,” they are checking for signs of gum disease or bone loss.
From an Orthodontist’s viewpoint, healthy periodontal tissues are foundational. If your gums or bone are compromised, moving teeth could cause further problems. So the Orthodontist may wait until the periodontal issues are under control before initiating braces or aligners.
4. Prophylaxis & Deep Clean
When your dentist mentions “prophylaxis,” they mean the routine preventive cleaning to remove plaque and tartar above the gum line. “Deep clean,” on the other hand, may refer to scaling and root-planing below the gum line when gum disease is present.
For an Orthodontist, keeping gums healthy is vital before and during treatment. If your gums are inflamed or you have deep pockets, the Orthodontist may delay beginning braces or wires until your dentist restores gum health.
5. Bonding, Brackets & Archwires
When your dentist or the Orthodontist uses the term “bonding,” they mean attaching something to the tooth—such as a bracket or veneer. In orthodontic treatment, “brackets” are the metal or ceramic pieces cemented to each tooth, and “archwires” are the thin metal wires that connect them and guide movement.
If your dentist says “we’ll bond the brackets and insert the archwire,” that’s a phrase directly from the Orthodontist’s toolkit. The Orthodontist uses these tools to gently move teeth into alignment over time.
6. Retention & Relapse
Your dentist might mention “retention” in the context of keeping restorative work stable. In orthodontic terms, retention means using retainers after active tooth movement so the teeth stay in their new position. “Relapse” means the teeth drift back toward their original location.
An Orthodontist emphasizes retention heavily: once braces or aligners are removed, retainers are critical. If you hear “let’s discuss your retention plan,” it’s your Orthodontist talking about maintaining results.
7. Extraction vs Space Maintenance
When your dentist says “we may need an extraction,” they mean removing a tooth—often due to decay, damage, or overcrowding. Sometimes the dentist will follow with “space maintenance,” meaning keeping or creating space so neighboring teeth don’t drift into the gap.
An Orthodontist often handles space-maintenance in a broader context: if a baby tooth is lost early or a tooth is extracted for crowding, the Orthodontist will guide and monitor how other teeth shift and ensure alignment remains manageable.
8. Orthognathic Surgery & Skeletal Classifications
In more complex cases, your dentist may mention “orthognathic surgery,” a fancy term for corrective jaw surgery, or refer to “Class I, II, III” skeletal relationships (how the upper and lower jaws relate). If your bite or jaw alignment is marked, these are often Orthodontist terms.
An Orthodontist uses skeletal classifications to plan how to shift the jaws, how the bite will change, and whether surgery is needed.
