Glossary of Terms [U-X]

Listed below are terms and definitions to help you better understand dental terminology when visiting Regents Dental Group.

UCR
Usual, Customary and Reasonable fees.

Unerupted Tooth
A tooth that has not pushed through the gum and assumed its correct position in the dental arch.

Veneer
Plastic or porcelain facing bonded directly to a tooth to improve its appearance. Porcelain or composite very-thin, special laminates bonded to teeth. Typically, Veneers are used for repairing chipped, cracked, or worn teeth. See laminate.

Vertical Dimension
Arbitrary space between upper and lower jaws upon closure; may decrease over time due to wear, shifting or damage to the teeth.

Walking Bleach
A procedure to lighten a tooth that has darkened after a root canal treatment.

Wisdom Teeth
Third (last) molars that usually erupt at age 18-25 (when "wisdom is attained").

Xerostomia
Dry mouth or decrease in the production of saliva.

X-Rays
X-rays are used to reveal problems that cannot be observed visually, or through any other means. They are an absolutely necessary part of regular dental checkups, and time has shown their use to be very safe. There are three types of dental x-rays: bitewing, complete series, and panographic.