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Abscess

A dental abscess is a collection of pus caused by a bacterial infection. It can develop around a tooth or in the gums and may cause pain, swelling and a bad taste in the mouth. Dental abscesses need urgent dental assessment and do not usually clear up without treatment.

Anaesthetic

A dental anaesthetic is used to reduce or prevent pain during certain procedures. Local anaesthetic numbs the area being treated while the patient remains awake.

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Bonding

Dental bonding involves applying tooth-coloured composite resin to improve the shape, size or appearance of a tooth. It can be used to repair small chips, improve tooth edges or make minor cosmetic changes.

Bone Grafting

Bone grafting is a procedure that adds bone material to an area of the jaw where more support may be needed. It is sometimes used when preparing for dental implants.

Bridge

A dental bridge replaces one or more missing teeth by attaching artificial teeth to supporting teeth or dental implants. It can restore appearance and chewing function.

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Calculus

Dental calculus, also known as tartar, is hardened plaque that builds up on teeth. It cannot be removed effectively by brushing alone and usually requires professional cleaning.

t surfaces of teeth. They can improve the colour, shape and appearance of selected teeth.

Clear Aligners

Clear aligners are removable plastic trays designed to move teeth gradually into planned positions. Invisalign is a well-known clear aligner system.

Composite Bonding

Composite bonding uses tooth-coloured resin to improve the appearance of teeth. It can be used to repair chips, close selected small gaps or alter the shape of teeth.

Cosmetic Dentistry

Cosmetic dentistry focuses on improving the appearance of teeth and smiles. Treatments may include teeth whitening, veneers, composite bonding and orthodontic treatment.

Crown

A dental crown is a custom-made covering that fits over a tooth to restore its shape, strength and function. Crowns may be recommended when a tooth is significantly damaged or weakened.

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Dental Abscess

A dental abscess is an infection that causes a collection of pus around a tooth or in the surrounding tissues. Symptoms may include severe pain, swelling and tenderness. It requires urgent dental assessment.

Dental Check-Up

A dental check-up is an examination of your teeth, gums and mouth. It helps identify potential problems early and allows your dentist to recommend preventive care or treatment.

Dental Emergency

A dental emergency is a problem requiring urgent dental attention, such as severe toothache, facial swelling, a knocked-out adult tooth or a dental injury.

Dental Extraction

A dental extraction is the removal of a tooth. It may be necessary when a tooth is badly damaged, severely decayed, affected by certain infections or causing other dental problems.

Dental Hygienist

A dental hygienist is a registered dental professional who helps prevent and manage oral health problems. Treatments may include professional cleaning, gum health assessments and advice on brushing and interdental cleaning.

Dental Implant

A dental implant is a small post, usually made from titanium, placed in the jawbone to support a replacement tooth. It can provide a stable alternative to replacing missing teeth with a bridge or denture.

Denture

A denture is a removable appliance used to replace missing teeth. It may replace several teeth or a full set of teeth.

Dry Mouth

Dry mouth occurs when there is not enough saliva to keep the mouth comfortably moist. It can be caused by medication, dehydration or certain health conditions and may increase the risk of tooth decay.

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Enamel

Enamel is the hard outer layer of a tooth. It protects the underlying structures from everyday wear, acid attacks and damage.

Endodontics

Endodontics is the branch of dentistry concerned with the inside of teeth, including the dental pulp and root canals. Root canal treatment is a common endodontic procedure.

Erosion

Dental erosion occurs when acids gradually dissolve the enamel covering the teeth. Acidic drinks, foods and stomach acid from reflux can contribute to enamel erosion.

Extraction

An extraction is the removal of a tooth from its socket. Your dentist will assess the tooth and explain whether removal is necessary or whether it can be saved with another treatment.

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Fixed Braces

Fixed braces use brackets attached to the teeth and a wire to move teeth into planned positions. Unlike clear removable aligners, fixed braces remain attached throughout treatment.

Fluoride Toothpaste

Fluoride toothpaste helps protect teeth against cavities by strengthening enamel and supporting its repair after acid attacks. Most adults should brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste.

Fluorosis

Dental fluorosis occurs when excessive fluoride exposure affects developing teeth during childhood. It may cause white markings or, in more severe cases, changes to the enamel's appearance.

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Gingivitis

Gingivitis is an early form of gum disease caused mainly by plaque build-up along the gumline. The gums may become red, swollen or bleed when brushing. It can often improve with effective cleaning and professional advice.

Gum Disease

Gum disease affects the tissues supporting the teeth. Early gum disease may cause bleeding and inflammation, while more advanced disease can damage the supporting bone and lead to loose teeth.

Gum Recession

Gum recession occurs when the gums move away from the teeth, exposing more of the tooth surface or its roots. It can contribute to sensitivity and may be associated with gum disease or brushing habits.

Gum Treatment

Gum treatment aims to control inflammation and infection affecting the tissues around the teeth. It may involve professional cleaning, improved home care and, in more advanced cases, specialist periodontal treatment.

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Home Teeth Whitening

Home teeth whitening involves using a dentist-prescribed whitening product, often with custom-made trays, according to professional instructions. Suitability should be assessed before treatment begins.

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Infection

A dental infection occurs when harmful microorganisms affect a tooth or surrounding tissues. It may cause pain, swelling, tenderness or the formation of an abscess.

Inlays and Onlays

Inlays and onlays are custom-made restorations used to repair damaged teeth. An inlay fits within the biting surface, while an onlay covers a larger area, sometimes including one or more cusps.

Invisalign Aligners

Invisalign aligners are custom-made clear plastic trays designed to move teeth gradually. Patients change trays according to their dentist's instructions throughout treatment.

Invisalign Braces

Invisalign braces is a common term for Invisalign clear aligner treatment. Unlike traditional fixed braces, Invisalign uses removable transparent trays to straighten teeth and address selected bite problems.

Invisalign Trays

Invisalign trays are the removable aligners worn over the teeth during treatment. They should be cleaned regularly, handled carefully and worn for the duration recommended by the dentist.

iTero Scanner

An iTero scanner is a digital dental scanner that creates a three-dimensional image of the teeth and gums. At Elegance Dental, digital scanning technology can help assess alignment and demonstrate a potential treatment outcome. 

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Local Anaesthetic

Local anaesthetic numbs a specific area of the mouth to help prevent pain during dental treatment. You remain awake while the area is numb.

Lost Filling

A lost filling occurs when a dental restoration comes out of a tooth. The exposed area may become sensitive or painful and should be assessed by a dentist.

Lost Crown

A lost crown is a dental crown that has become detached from the tooth. Keep the crown safe and arrange dental advice rather than attempting to permanently reattach it yourself.

Lingual Braces

Lingual braces are fixed orthodontic appliances attached to the inner surfaces of the teeth. They are less visible from the front than conventional braces.

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Malocclusion

Malocclusion describes a misalignment of the teeth or an irregular relationship between the upper and lower jaws. Orthodontic treatment may help improve the alignment and function of the bite.

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Occlusion

Occlusion is the way the upper and lower teeth meet when the jaw closes or moves. Dentists assess occlusion when evaluating bite function and planning orthodontic or restorative treatment.

Oral Hygiene

Oral hygiene refers to the daily care of your teeth, gums and mouth. It includes brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, cleaning between teeth and attending dental appointments as advised.

Oral Surgery

Oral surgery includes procedures involving the teeth, gums, jawbone and other structures in the mouth. Examples include certain extractions and surgical treatment for impacted teeth.

Orthodontics

Orthodontics is the branch of dentistry concerned with correcting the alignment of teeth and jaws. Treatments include Invisalign, clear aligners and fixed braces.

Overbite

An overbite describes the vertical overlap of the upper front teeth over the lower front teeth. Some overlap is normal, but a deep overbite may sometimes require treatment.

Overcrowding

Dental overcrowding occurs when there is insufficient space for the teeth to align properly. Orthodontic treatment may help create a more orderly arrangement.

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Plaque

Plaque is a sticky layer of bacteria that forms on teeth throughout the day. Regular brushing and cleaning between teeth help remove it before it hardens into tartar.

Porcelain Veneers

Porcelain veneers are thin ceramic coverings bonded to the front of teeth to change their appearance. They can improve selected concerns involving tooth colour, shape and size.

Preventive Dentistry

Preventive dentistry focuses on reducing the risk of dental problems before they develop. It includes routine examinations, oral hygiene advice, fluoride use and professional cleaning when needed.

Pulpitis

Pulpitis is inflammation of the soft tissue inside a tooth. It can cause sensitivity or toothache and may require treatment depending on the severity and whether the pulp can recover.

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Receding Gums

Receding gums occur when gum tissue moves away from the teeth, exposing more of the tooth or its root. Treatment depends on the cause and may include improved cleaning techniques or periodontal care.

Restorative Dentistry

Restorative dentistry focuses on repairing or replacing damaged or missing teeth. Treatments may include fillings, crowns, bridges and dental implants.

Retainer

A retainer helps prevent teeth from moving after orthodontic treatment. It may be removable or fixed behind the teeth, and long-term wear is often needed to maintain results.

Root Canal Treatment

Root canal treatment removes infected or inflamed tissue from inside a tooth, cleans the root canals and seals them. It may allow a tooth that would otherwise need extraction to be saved.

Root Caries

Root caries is tooth decay affecting the exposed root surface. It can develop when gums recede and the root becomes more vulnerable to decay.

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Scale and Polish

A scale and polish is a professional dental cleaning procedure that removes plaque, tartar and certain surface stains. It can help maintain gum health and leave teeth feeling cleaner.

Sealant

A dental sealant is a protective coating applied to the grooves of certain teeth, often molars, to help reduce the risk of decay. It is commonly used in preventive dentistry.

Staining

Tooth staining refers to changes in tooth colour caused by foods, drinks, smoking, ageing or other factors. Professional cleaning and whitening may help, depending on the type of stain.

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Tartar

Tartar is hardened plaque that attaches to the teeth. It can contribute to gum inflammation and usually needs to be removed by a dental professional.

Teeth Grinding

Teeth grinding, or bruxism, involves repeatedly clenching or rubbing the teeth together. It can cause tooth wear, jaw discomfort and headaches.

Teeth Straightening

Teeth straightening involves moving teeth into improved positions. Treatment options include Invisalign, other clear aligners and fixed braces.

Teeth Whitening

Teeth whitening is a cosmetic treatment designed to lighten the natural colour of teeth. Professional whitening should be assessed and supervised by a suitably qualified dental professional.

Teeth Whitening Gels

Teeth whitening gels contain active ingredients that lighten tooth colour. The concentration and use of the gel depend on the product and the treatment plan prescribed by the dentist.

Teeth Whitening Trays

Teeth whitening trays are custom-made or appropriately designed trays used to hold whitening gel against the teeth. When prescribed by a dentist, custom trays can help deliver the gel according to the treatment instructions.

Tooth Decay

Tooth decay occurs when acids produced by bacteria damage the enamel and underlying tooth structure. If it progresses, it may cause cavities, sensitivity or toothache.

Tooth Extraction

A tooth extraction is a procedure to remove a tooth. It may be necessary because of extensive decay, damage, infection or other dental concerns.

Toothache

Toothache is pain in or around a tooth. It may be caused by decay, infection, a cracked tooth or gum problems and should be assessed if persistent or severe.

Tooth-Coloured Filling

A tooth-coloured filling is usually made from composite resin and used to repair a tooth damaged by decay or minor fractures. It is designed to blend with the natural tooth colour.

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Underbite

An underbite occurs when the lower front teeth sit in front of the upper front teeth when the mouth closes. Depending on its severity, it may affect chewing, speech or facial balance.

Ulcer

An ulcer is an open sore that can develop on the soft tissues inside the mouth. Most mouth ulcers heal within one or two weeks, but persistent ulcers should be professionally assessed.

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Veneers

Veneers are thin coverings placed on the front of teeth to improve their appearance. They may be made from porcelain or other suitable materials and require an assessment of the tooth and gums before treatment.

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Wisdom Teeth

Wisdom teeth are the last molars to develop, usually emerging in late adolescence or early adulthood. They do not always need removing, but problems can arise if they become impacted or cause repeated infection.

White Fillings

White fillings are tooth-coloured restorations, usually made from composite resin, used to repair teeth affected by decay or damage. They can blend with the surrounding tooth structure.

Wear and Tear

Wear and tear refers to the gradual deterioration of teeth or dental restorations over time. Regular examinations can help identify damage and determine whether treatment is needed.

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X-Rays

Dental X-rays produce images that help dentists assess areas that cannot be seen clearly during a visual examination. They can help identify decay between teeth, assess tooth roots and support treatment planning.

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Yellow Teeth

Yellow teeth can result from natural tooth colour, ageing, surface stains or changes to the enamel. A dental assessment can help establish whether professional cleaning or whitening may improve their appearance.