The smile arc describes the curve formed by the edges of the upper front teeth when someone smiles. It is often compared with the curve of the lower lip in a posed (intentional) smile. Clinicians use it in smile analysis to understand how teeth, lips, and facial features relate visually. It is discussed in cosmetic dentistry, orthodontics, prosthodontics, and restorative planning.
occlusal plane cant is a tilt of the biting plane when viewed from the front of the face. It means the teeth do not sit level side-to-side, so one side appears higher or lower. It is commonly discussed in orthodontics, prosthodontics, smile design, and jaw surgery planning. Clinicians evaluate it when facial symmetry, bite balance, or restorative fit is a concern.
occlusal settling is a restorative technique that helps a new filling or sealant conform to the way the upper and lower teeth meet. It commonly uses a flowable or injectable resin material that can “settle” into tooth anatomy under gentle biting pressure before curing. The goal is to create comfortable, stable bite contacts with minimal adjustment after the material hardens. It is most often discussed in the context of small posterior (back tooth) restorations and occlusal sealing.
Interproximal contacts (ortho) are the contact points or contact areas where two neighboring teeth touch. They help keep teeth positioned against each other and limit food packing between teeth. Orthodontics commonly evaluates and adjusts these contacts during alignment and finishing. They are also assessed after treatment to support comfort, hygiene, and stability.
finishing and detailing is the step where a dentist shapes and refines a restoration after it is placed and hardened. It focuses on smoothing, contouring, and polishing so the tooth looks and feels natural. It is commonly used after tooth-colored fillings (composite), bonding, and some types of crowns or repairs. It also helps the bite feel even and makes the restoration easier to keep clean.
initial alignment is the early phase of orthodontic treatment focused on lining up crowded or rotated teeth. It is commonly performed with braces (brackets and archwires) or clear aligners. The goal is to reduce irregularity and create a more coordinated tooth arrangement. It is usually followed by other phases that refine the bite and long-term stability.
alignment and leveling is an early, foundational phase of orthodontic treatment where teeth are guided into a straighter and more even position. “Alignment” refers to reducing rotations and crowding so teeth line up along the dental arch. “Leveling” refers to correcting uneven vertical positions (for example, teeth that sit too high or too low) and smoothing the bite plane. It is commonly performed with braces (fixed appliances) or clear aligners, often using bonded attachments or brackets.
two-step retraction is a method dentists use to gently move gum tissue (gingiva) away from a tooth in two planned stages. It is commonly used to improve access and visibility at the gumline, especially when a tooth margin is at or slightly below the gums. It helps create a temporary space (the sulcus) so dental materials, impressions, or scans can capture accurate detail. It is often discussed in crown, veneer, and filling workflows when moisture control and margin clarity matter.
en masse retraction is an orthodontic technique that moves a group of front teeth backward as a unit. It is most commonly discussed in braces-based treatment and sometimes in clear aligner planning. It is often used after space has been created, such as after premolar extractions or space gaining. The main goal is to close space and improve tooth position while controlling the bite and facial profile.
retraction means gently moving soft tissue (usually the gum) away from a tooth. It is commonly used to improve visibility and access during restorative and prosthetic dental procedures. It can also help control moisture and bleeding around the gumline. Clinicians may use cords, pastes, or other techniques to achieve retraction.