soft tissue repair is a dental restorative approach that uses resin-based materials to rebuild or modify “soft tissue–colored” areas on a dental restoration. It is most commonly used to repair or recontour pink/gingival portions of dentures, implant prostheses, or other prosthetic work where gum tissue is being simulated. In practice, soft tissue repair materials are handled similarly to composite resins: they are placed in layers, light-cured, and then finished and polished. The goal is typically esthetic blending, surface sealing, and restoring contour where a prosthesis has chipped, worn, or needs adjustment.

laceration repair is the clinical process of closing a cut (laceration) in soft tissue so it can heal in an aligned, stable way. In dentistry, it most often refers to repairing cuts inside the mouth or around the lips after trauma or dental procedures. It commonly involves cleaning the wound and bringing the tissue edges together with sutures (stitches) or, in selected cases, tissue adhesive. The goals are to support healing, reduce bleeding, and restore normal function and comfort.

circummandibular wiring is a technique where a surgical wire is passed around the lower border of the mandible (lower jaw) to hold something in place. It is most often used to secure splints, stabilize fractures, or support fixation in jaw surgery, especially when bone is thin or teeth are limited. In plain terms, it is a “loop-around-the-jaw” wiring method that helps keep the jaw or attached devices stable during healing.

wiring is the use of thin metal wire in dental care to hold, guide, or stabilize teeth and oral structures. It is commonly used in orthodontics, dental trauma stabilization, and some surgical settings. wiring may be tied around brackets or bonded to teeth with dental resin (a tooth-colored adhesive material). The exact wire type and technique depend on the clinical goal and the patient’s anatomy.

A resorbable plate is a temporary fixation device used to hold bone segments in a stable position while healing occurs. It is made from polymers that gradually break down in the body over time. In dentistry, it is most commonly used in oral and maxillofacial surgery (jaw and facial bone procedures). It may be used with matching resorbable screws or pins, depending on the system.

A titanium plate is a thin, rigid piece of medical-grade titanium designed to stabilize bone. In dentistry and oral surgery, it is most commonly used to hold facial or jaw bones in position while they heal. It is typically secured with small screws and shaped to fit the patient’s anatomy. Use varies by clinician and case, as well as by plate system and manufacturer.

A miniplate is a small, thin fixation plate used to stabilize bone segments with screws. In dental and maxillofacial care, a miniplate is commonly used in jaw fracture repair and orthognathic (jaw-correcting) surgery. Some miniplate designs are also used as skeletal anchorage in orthodontics to help move teeth. Most miniplate systems are made from titanium alloys or resorbable materials, depending on the case.

rigid fixation is a method of stabilizing teeth, bone, or a dental structure so it does not move during healing. In dentistry, it is commonly used after dental trauma, jaw surgery, or certain periodontal and restorative situations. It can be achieved with bonded splints (using resin materials) or with surgical hardware such as plates and screws. The overall goal is controlled stability to support healing and function.

intermaxillary elastics are small rubber bands used in orthodontics to connect the upper and lower teeth. They attach to braces hooks, buttons, or clear-aligner cutouts to apply gentle pulling forces between the jaws. Their main role is to guide how the upper and lower teeth fit together (the “bite” or occlusion). They are commonly used during braces treatment and in some clear aligner plans.

An Erich arch bar is a metal bar that is secured to the teeth with thin wires. It is commonly used in oral and maxillofacial surgery to stabilize the jaws after injury or surgery. It works as an anchor point to hold the upper and lower jaws in a planned relationship during healing.