- G -

genial Pertaining to the chin.

genioplasty A surgical procedure designed to reshape the contour of the chin, usually by augmentation or reduction.

gemination Abnormal tooth development due to incomplete division of a single tooth bud.

gingiva The tissue that surrounds the teeth, consisting of a fibrous tissue that is continuous with the periodontal ligament and mucosal covering.

gingival display Measure of exposure of gingival tissue during a smile. See gummy smile.

gingival graft A surgical procedure usually performed to establish an adequate amount of attached gingiva around a tooth or group of teeth.

gingival attachment The fibrous attachment of the gingiva to the teeth.

gingival recession Shifting of gingival margin apically exposing part of the root of the tooth.

gingivitis Inflammation of the gingiva.

glenoid fossa The depression or fossa in the temporal bone in which the condyle of the mandible is positioned; part of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ).

gnathion The most anterior-inferior point on the chin; a cephalometric landmark in the lateral view.

gnathology The study of the functional and occlusal relationships of the teeth as they relate to the TMJ; sometimes also used to identify a specific philosophy of occlusal function and treatment or articulator simulation of these movements.

gonial angle The most postero-inferior point on the angle of the mandible, where the body and ramus join in the region of the attachment of the masseter muscle. (Gonion).

graft A portion of tissue used for implantation.

grinding Usually a term synonymous with bruxism or parafunctional activity.

growth An age related increase in size.

growth forecast (or prediction) A predicted estimation of change in the location or size of the bones of the craniofacial skeleton due to expected growth and development and/or the effects of treatment.

growth potential Generally an estimation of the amount of growth yet to occur.

growth site An area where growth occurs.

growth spurt An increase in rate of growth (velocity) during adolescence, usually occurring at age 10-12 in the female and 12-14 in males coincident with the events of puberty.

guard,mouth See mouth guard.

guidance,condylar See condylar guidance.

guidance,developmental A planned orthodontic and orthopedic effort to influence the growth of the jaws and eruption of the teeth, with the objective of guiding abnormal development into a normal situation. This generally requires a combination of carefully timed appliance therapies and supervisory examinations involving radiographic and other diagnostic records at various stages of development. This may be required from the earliest date of detection of a developing malformation until the craniofacial skeleton is mature.

guide plane A fixed or removable orthodontic appliance designed to deflect the functional path of the mandible and alter positions of specific teeth.