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Dental Glossary
Archwires - A wire that comes in many shapes, size and strengths that attach to orthodontic brackets and bands creating forces that move teeth through bone to correct malocclusion.
Autoclave - A sterilizing mechanism which uses steam and high temperatures to destroy bacteria on dental instruments which could be harmful to the patient or staff.
Bilateral Space Maintainer - An appliance used to hold open the empty space in the molar area that has been left when one or two teeth is lost or removed prematurely. The appliance is constructed in one appointment and placed in a second appointment by attaching bands (rings) around the molars and then cemented into place. When it is time for the new tooth to erupt, the space maintainer is removed.
Bitewing Films - A series of two or four films to check for cavities between the teeth in the molar areas of the mouth. They are usually recommended once per year unless there is a suspicious or watch area.
Credit history/report - When payment arrangements have been requested a credit report is obtained and evaluated to determine the financial arrangements that can be offered to the patient family.
Crown-Stainless Steel - When a tooth has had a nerve treatment or the decay is extensive a crown that completely covers all surfaces of the tooth may be recommended. Crowns that are placed on the back teeth are usually stainless steel or silver and crowns on the front teeth are silver on the back, but have a white tooth colored facing on the front.
Dental Benefits - A term used by the insurance companies to determine the financial responsibilities of the parent and the insurance company.
Dental Prophylaxis/Cleaning - The process of cleaning and polishing the teeth in order to preserve oral health and prevent the spread of disease.
Diagnostic Casts - Impressions of the teeth of which initial stone models are created to aid in treatment planning for orthodontic reasons.
Extraction - The removal or wiggling of a primary or permanent tooth.
First Visit - The American Academy of Pediatric Dentists recommends that all children should have a dental examination by age one.
Fluoride - Fluoride is a naturally occurring element that prevents tooth decay systemically when ingested during tooth development and topically when applied to erupted teeth.
HIPAA - Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 This sets the rules and limits on who can access and receive patient information. It also dictates how our office can collect, use and disclose protected health information.
Infection Control - This is the practice of using all precautions such as protective eyewear, masks and protective garments as well as instrument sterilization and disinfectants to maintain a clean, sterile environment. All of this is a benefit to our patients, as well as our staff and doctors.
Initial Records for Orthodontics - A procedure where upper and lower impressions of the dental arches along with a wax bite are taken, allowing an exact replica of the dentition, occlusion and soft tissues of a patient. A series of questions are also asked to determine airway evaluation, habits and overall health of the jaw. This information aids the doctor in determining the best diagnosis and treatment plan in orthodontic care.
Insurance Anniversary Year - Refers to the day of the month that the insurance becomes effective.
Insurance Benefits - Usual, Reasonable & Customary - Under certain dental plans, patients are usually allowed to see the dentist of their choice. These plans pay an established percentage of the dentist's fee or pay the plan sponsor's "customary" or "reasonable" fee limit, whichever is less. While these limits are called "customary", they may or may not reflect the fees that area dentists charge.
Insurance Dental Plan Maximums - Each dental plan will have a maximum benefit they will pay. Most insurance companies have separate plan maximums for dental benefits (yearly) and orthodontics (lifetime benefit).
Insurance Preauthorizations/Predetermination - A detailed listing of services to be performed by the providing dentist. It is sent to the insurance carrier for benefit review prior to the services being provided and is considered a contract between the insurance carrier and the patient/insured. As with all insurance estimates, until procedures are completed and submitted for payment benefits levels may change and this should always be considered an estimate only.
Interproximal reduction - Also known as slenderizing or discing and allows the dentist to reshape or reduce the width of a tooth to gain space.
Malocclusion - This refers to how your teeth fit together. Class I is when the teeth align with the bottom teeth but may require correction for crowded or malaligned teeth. Class II is when the upper teeth/jaw protrude over the lower teeth. This is also referred as an overbite. Class III is when the lower teeth/jaw protrudes past the upper teeth. This is also referred to as an underbite.
Nitrous Oxide and Oxygen - This is commonly referred to as laughing gas or happy air. It is used in pediatric dentistry to relax the patient as well as reduce the flow of saliva during procedures, resulting in a more pleasant experience for the child.
Notice of Privacy Practices (NPP) - A booklet presented to our parents and patients reviewing how the health information given to us may be used and disclosed.
Oral Sedation Medications - Pediatric dentists use a combination of liquid oral sedatives to assist in relaxing a patient prior to some procedures. The child cannot eat or drink for at least six hours prior to administering the medications.
Orthodontic Band - A metal ring that fits around the back (molar) teeth and is cemented in place with an orthodontic cement. Orthodontic brackets and/or tubes are welded to the bands allowing archwire placement.
Orthodontic Bracket - Orthodontic brackets are appliances that are bonded to the teeth and are used to hold the archwire in place which helps guide the teeth into proper position.
Panoramic Film - A radiographic or digital x-ray which shows all developing and erupted teeth as well as bony and soft tissue structures of some parts of the face. It allows the dentist to diagnose missing or extra teeth as well as evaluate the root position and development of all teeth.
Pedodontics - Specialty practice of dentistry for children and teens, focusing on the growth and development from infancy to adulthood.
Periapical (PA) film - X-rays taken of the teeth at different angles to show the tips of the roots and the supporting bone.
Permanent tooth versus primary tooth - This is a common situation that occurs for children when their permanent tooth erupts while the primary tooth is still present. In some situations it may be necessary to remove the primary tooth to assist the permanent tooth to erupt in a better position. In other cases, the tooth can be wiggled out by the child themselves.
Premedication for Dental Services - Upon the recommendation of a medical physician or cardiologist some patients will be prescribed an oral antibiotic one hour prior to invasive dental services (cleanings, fillings, extractions,etc). This measure helps prevent infections with patients with some types of heart conditions (murmurs, MVP, etc.) as well transplants and replacements. We recommend to always discuss this with your physician and again with your dentist prior to any appointment.
Preventive Services - For insurance classifications examinations, cleanings and topical application of fluoride are considered as preventive services.
Reminder Postcard - A postcard that is mailed to the patient as an alert that they are due to return to our practice for a dental or orthodontic appointment.
Resin or composite filling - A white, tooth colored restoration that is placed after decay has been removed.
Sealant - A protective, tooth colored material that is applied to the chewing surfaces of primarily molars and bicuspids.
Unilateral Space Maintainer - An appliance used to hold open the empty space in the molar area that has been left when a tooth is lost or removed prematurely. The appliance is constructed in one appointment and is cemented into place. When it is time for the new tooth to erupt, the space maintainer is removed.
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Children's Dental Village
7360 South McClintock
Tempe, AZ 85283
(480) 838-6949
tlc@childrensdentalvillage.net