May 9, 2007 , Los Angeles ( L.A. ) and Beverly Hills - Every profession has its own language but it sometimes seems medical terminology is particularly difficult to decode. While the language of cosmetic dentistry is more accessible than some other medical specialties, it still requires an occasional explanation.

Listed below are a few terms you likely will find useful when visiting your cosmetic dentist .

Malocclusion
A malocclusions, or "bad bite," is caused by the misalignment or incorrect positioning of your lower and upper teeth.

Maxilla
Your upper jaw.

Milk Teeth
Baby, or deciduous, teeth.

Molars
The three back teeth on each side that are used for chewing

Non Steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drug
NSAIDs often are used as a dental analgesic.

Root Canal
Also known as the " dental pulp ," a root canal is the internal chamber of a tooth.

Night Guard
Acrylic appliances used to prevent the temporomandibular damage and wear caused by gnashing or grinding your teeth while asleep

Nitrous Oxide
An innocuous gas used to reduce patient anxiety

Novocain
An older, brand name for a local anesthetic. Dentists presently employ safer and more effective agents.

Occlusion
The relationship between your lower and upper teeth when you close your mouth

Onlays
These resin or porcelain fillings protect your tooth or teeth by covering only the chewing surface.

Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon
These specialists diagnose and surgically treat problems caused by injuries, diseases and deformities of your mouth and supporting structures. Oral surgeons must complete four additional years of training after earning their DDS.

Oral Cavity
Your mouth

Oral Hygiene
The maintenance of clean teeth and related structures

Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
The surgical extraction, removal of tumors or tumors, and repair of fractured jaws

Oral Pathologist
Dentists who specialize in oral diseases

Orthodontics
Dental specialists who treat misalignment of teeth, most frequently through the use of braces

Osseous
Boney

Overbite
The vertical overlap of your front teeth

Overdenture
Dentures that fit over dental implants or any residual roots

Overjet
The horizontal overlap of your front teeth.

LEARN MORE

Call top cosmetic dentist Dr. Anthony Mobasser today at 1.310.550.0383 or email us to schedule an appointment and learn more about cosmetic dentistry .