laminate veneer

Thin material, generally tooth-colored, used to cover the front of a healthy tooth to restore the appearance from discoloration, damage, misalignment, or other such cosmetic issue.

laughing gas

Common term used for nitrous oxide, an odorless gas that produces a mild sedative effect when inhaled.

lesion

Tissue injury, generally due to trauma, infection, or illness.

ligation

Process of attaching archwire to braces in orthodontic treatment.

ligature

Thin wire used to hold archwire in the bracket in orthodontic treatment.

lingual

Refers to area or surface on or around the tongue, opposite of facial.

lip bumper

Archwire attached to a piece of molded plastic, holds back molars of lower jaw to provide more space for the other teeth.

local anesthesia

Medication used to block nerve impulses to provide partial or complete elimination of pain during treatment.