The chewing surface of the teeth. The top surface of the teeth. Also used to denote direction towards the top of the tooth.

The process of selective reshaping of the top surfaces of the teeth. This is done in order to improve how the teeth work and fit together, or to reduce the force or contact that a tooth is receiving from its counterpart in the opposing arch.

Also known as a night guard or a bite guard. A removable appliance designed to minimize or eliminate the damaging effects of clenching and grinding or bruxism on the patient’s teeth and or implants.

A partial crown or cap. It replaces some or all of the occlusal or chewing surface of the tooth.

Any number of different cancers which affect the hard and soft tissues of the mouth. If caught early they are usually easily treated, if undiagnosed they can be deadly. Adults over the age of 40 are most at risk but anyone can be affected. Tobacco use and drinking alcohol on a regular basis increase your risk of developing oral cancers.

Also known as braces this specialty of dentistry which deals with tooth and jaw alignment and the altering of the teeth positions and control of the jaw growth to create an ideal relationship between the teeth and jaws.

A dentist who has completed a two to three year specialty residency in the field of orthodontics, in order to learn how the jaws and teeth develop and how to safely move teeth into the proper positions.

The direct contact between living bone and a dental implant without soft tissue between them, at the light microscope level. Clinically it is an implant which does not have any mobility.

Bony

The growth of new bone.