| Term |
Definition |
| Abutment |
A tooth used to support a removable partial denture or anchor a fixed partial denture. |
| Acrylic Resin |
The plastic material widely used in dentistry to make the denture base. |
| Alloy |
A combination of two or more metals. Golds for casting, wires, and solders are alloys. |
| Alma Gauge |
A precise measuring device for accurate denture construction that pinpoints the vertical and horizontal position of the central incisor teeth relative to the incisive papilla in a two dimensional prescription. |
| Alveolar Bone (al veel' ar bone) |
The specialized bone structure, which supports the teeth. |
| Amalgam |
An alloy of mercury and silver (with other alloying metals) used as a restorative material and for making dies. |
| Anneal |
To soften a metal by controlled heating and cooling. Normally done before bending or swaging. |
| Anterior Teeth |
Central incisors, lateral incisors, and canines of either upper or lower arch. |
| Antero-Posterior |
Extending from the front backward. |
| Articulate - (teeth) |
To arrange the denture teeth in their proper positions in the trial baseplate. To "set-up" the teeth, (casts); To bring two casts together in occlusion. To mount the upper and lower casts on the articulator. |
| Articulation |
The harmonious contact of the opposing teeth in closed position and in lateral and protrusive movements. (2) Junction of two bones which may or may not be movable joint. |
| Articulator |
A mechanical instrument that represents the temporomandibular joints and jaws, to which maxillary and mandibular casts may be attached to simulate some or all mandibular movements. |
| Artificial Stone |
Gypsum product similar to Plaster of Paris but with much greater density and strength. May be colored to distinguish it from plaster. |
| Backing |
A metal support which serves to attach a facing to a prosthesis. |
| Balance (in occlusion) |
The simultaneous harmonious contacts of tooth surfaces in different parts of the mouth, which act to prevent tipping of the denture. |
| Balancing Side |
The side opposite the working side of the dentition or denture. |
| Base Metal |
A metal such as copper or iron not classified as a noble metal. |
| Baseplate |
A temporary form representing the base of a denture which is used for making jaw relation records and for the arrangement of teeth. STABILIZED B. - A baseplate lined with a plastic material to improve its fit and stability. |
| Baseplate Wax |
A hard pink wax used for making occlusion rims, waxing dentures, and other dental procedures. |
| Bennett Movement |
The lateral shift of the condyle first described by a British dentist. |
| Bite Block or Occlusion Rim |
Occluding surfaces fabricated on interim or final denture bases for the purpose of making maxillomandibular relation records and arranging teeth. |
| Bonding Agent |
A material used to promote adhesion or cohesion between two different substances, or between a material and natural tooth structures. |
| Boxing |
The placing of a retaining wall of wax around an impression to confine the plaster or stone as the cast is poured. |
| Bridge (fixed partial denture) |
A restoration of one or more missing teeth which cannot be readily removed by the patient or dentist; it is permanently attached to natural teeth or roots which furnish the primary support to the appliance. |
| Brilliance or Value |
The amount of whiteness or darkness in a color. The more white a color contains the more brilliant it appears. The more black or grey, the less brilliant it appears. |
| Buccal |
Pertaining to the cheek; the surface of the tooth toward the cheek. |
| Buccal Frenum |
The string-like tissue, which attaches the cheeks to, the alveolar ridge in the premolar region of each arch. |
| Burnish |
The drawing or flattening out of a malleable metal through pressure. |
| Cast (noun) |
An object formed by pouring a material (usually stone, plaster, or investment) into an impression; also called "model." |
| Cast (verb) |
To cast a material into a mold (such as inlay, crown, or partial denture). |
| Cast Relator (Gothic Arch Relator) |
A mechanical device that orients a cast to an articulator using a gothic arch tracing, without reference to anatomic landmarks. |
| Cast Study |
A positive likeness of dental structures for the purpose of study and treatment planning. |
| Central Bearing |
Application of forces between the maxilla and mandible at a single point that is located at the center of the maxillary and mandibular denture supporting areas. It is used for distributing forces evenly throughout the supporting structures during the registration of maxillomandibular relations and during the correction of occlusal errors. |
| Central Bearing Point |
The anatomical center of the upper arch. The critical point that determines the upper cast-to-articulator mounting position. It is located on the median suture line of the upper cast (the vertical line dividing the arch in left and right halves), halfway between the incisive papilla and the foveae palantinae. |
| Centric Occlusion |
The relations of opposing tooth surfaces when the jaws are in centric relation. For dentures, this will be the same position as the maximum planned contact and/or intercuspation. |
| Centric Relation |
- The most posterior relation of the mandible to the maxilla at the established vertical dimension.
- The relation of the mandible to the maxilla when the condyles are in their most posterior position in the glenoid fossa, from which unstrained lateral movements can be made at the normal occluding vertical dimension for the individual.
|
| Clasp |
The metal part of a partial denture which partly encircles an abutment tooth and helps to support, stabilize, and retain the denture. |
| Class I Arch Form |
Arch form with a shallow palatal vault; generally square or ovoid arch form. |
| Class II Arch |
Arch form with a moderate palatal vault; generally square tapering arch form. |
| Class III Arch |
Arch form with a deep palatal vault; generally tapering arch form. |
| Condyle |
The rounded end of a bone at the articular end of the mandible. |
| Connector |
A term used in partial denture prosthesis meaning a bar, which connects two or more parts of the appliance: (a) major connector - the rigid bar which connects the saddles or major parts. (b) minor connector - the bar which connects clasps to frame. |
| Coping |
A thin cover or matrix usually made of cast metal or acrylic resin to fit over a prepared tooth. A crown is then constructed over the coping. |
| Cross Bite |
A condition in which the ridge of the mandible lies so far outside the maxillary ridge that normal arrangement of teeth is not feasible. |
| Crosslinked |
A typing together of acrylic resin molecules chemically to produce a more stable resin. |
| Crown |
Artificial - A replacement of the coronal portion of a tooth. |
| Curing |
The process by which denture base materials are hardened to the form of a denture in a denture mold. |
| Curve of Spee |
Anatomic curvature of the occlusal alignment of teeth beginning at the tip of the lower canine and following the buccal cusps of the natural premolars and molars, continuing to the anterior border of the ramus. |
| Curve of Wilson |
The curvature of the cusps of the teeth as projected on the frontal plane; that of the inferior dental arch is concave and that of the superior dental arch is convex. |
| Cuspid Line |
The area marked on an occlusion rim noting the desired position of the cuspid (canine) teeth. It may indicate the distal, mesial, or middle of the cuspid, but must be agreed upon by the clinical professional and the dental laboratory. (Source: DENTSPLY Trubyte literature). |
| Deciduous Teeth |
The first teeth of childhood which are later replaced by the permanent dentition. |
| Dentition |
Natural teeth in the dental arch. |
| Dentulous |
Having natural teeth present in the mouth and capable of function. |
| Denture |
An artificial substitute for missing natural teeth and adjacent tissues. |
| Denture, Complete |
A dental prosthesis which is a substitute for the lost natural dentition and associated structures of the maxilla or mandible. |
| Denture, Immediate |
A dental prosthesis constructed before removal of the teeth and inserted at the time of extraction. |
| Denture Service |
Those procedures which are involved in the diagnosis, construction, and maintenance of artificial substitutes for missing natural teeth. |
| Devesting or Deflasking |
The retrieval of a processed denture from an investing medium. |
| Diagnosis |
A scientific evaluation of existing conditions. |
| Diagnostic Model |
A life-size reproduction of a part or parts of the oral cavity and/or facial structures for the purpose of study and treatment planning. |
| Diastema |
A space between two adjacent teeth in the same dental arch. |
| Diatoric |
The retentive hole or channel in a denture tooth that allows denture base material to fill the space, producing a mechanical lock for retention. |
| Die |
A positive reproduction of a tooth or preparation, usually in metal or stone. |
| Distal |
The side of a tooth farthest away from the median line in the dental arch. |
| Edentics |
A program of continuing care for the edentulous patient. |
| Edentulous |
Without teeth. It may be a specific area, one arch or the entire mouth. |
| Enamel |
The white, compact, and very hard substance that covers and protects the dentin of the crown of the tooth. |
| Endodontics |
Deals primarily with the treatment of diseased tooth pulp, and adjacent areas in the jaw. |
| Esthetics |
(1) The branch of philosophy dealing with beauty, especially with the components thereof, viz., color, form, and arrangement. (2) The qualities involved in the appearance of a given restoration. |
| Extra-Oral |
Outside the mouth. |
| Facial |
Pertaining to the face. The surface of the tooth or appliance nearest the lips or cheeks. Used synonymously for the words buccal and labial. |
| Face-Bow |
A caliper-like device used to record the relationship between the maxilla and condyles of the mandible and to transfer this relationship to an articulator. |
| Festooning |
Carvings in the base material of a denture that simulate the contours of the natural tissues that are being replaced by a denture. |
| Finishing |
The procedure where scratches and/or surface defects are removed using grinding instruments. |
| Fixed Bridge |
A fixed partial denture. One that is cemented firmly in position. |
| Flash |
Denture base acrylic that has seeped onto land area or tooth surfaces during processing. |
| Flask |
A frame constructed in sections into which a denture is invested for processing. |
| Foramen |
A hole or perforation in the bone. |
| Fossa |
A shallow depression of the bone. |
| Fovea |
A pit, dimple, or depression. |
| Foveae Palantinae |
Two small pits or depressions in the posterior aspect of the palate, one on each side of the midline, at or near the attachment of the soft palate to the hard palate. |
| Frenum |
The small band or fold of connective tissue covered with mucous membrane, which attaches the tongue, lips, and cheeks to adjacent structures. |
| Gerodontics |
That branch of dentistry, which deals with the dental problems and conditions of the aged. |
| Gingiva |
That part of the gum tissue, which immediately surrounds a tooth. |
| Glaze |
The final firing of porcelain which imparts a high gloss. |
| Hamular Notch |
The palpable notch formed by the junction of the maxilla and the pterygoid hamulus of the sphenoid bone. |
| High Lip Line |
The greatest height to which the lip is raised in normal function or during the act of smiling broadly. |
| Hue |
A color as seen in the visible spectrum, i.e., red, yellow, blue, etc. |
| Immediate Denture |
A dental prosthesis constructed before removal of the teeth and inserted at the time of extraction. |
| Impression |
A negative reproduction of a given area. |
| Incisive Papilla |
The elevation of soft tissue covering the foramen (opening) of the incisive or nasopalatine canal. |
| Index |
A core or mold used to indicate relative positions so that a part may be removed and replace in exactly the same position as before. |
| Inlay |
A restoration (gold, porcelain) made to fit a prepared tooth cavity and then cemented into place. |
| Inter-Condylar Distance |
The distance between the rotational centers of two condyles or their analogues. |
| Interproximal |
Between adjoining tooth surfaces. |
| Intra-Oral |
Within the mouth. |
| Invest |
To surround, embed, or envelop in a material to hold the pieces in place during a subsequent operation. |
| Investing or Flasking |
The process used to fabricate an exact duplicate of the wax-up by covering it with a suitable investment material in a flask before processing. |
| Investment |
A refractory material used to form a mold for casting. |
| Labial |
Pertaining to the lip or toward the lip. |
| Labial Flange |
The portion of the flange of a denture that occupies the labial vertibule of the mouth. |
| Labial Frenum |
The connective tissue "string" which attaches the upper and lower lip to the alveolar ridge at or near the midline. |
| Lateral Movement |
Movement of the mandible to the side. |
| Lingual |
Pertaining to the tongue or towards the tongue. |
| Lingual Bar |
A metal bar (cast or wrought) used to connect the right and left sides of a lower partial denture. |
| Low Lip Line |
The lowest position of the lower lip during smiling or voluntary reaction. The lowest position of the upper lip at rest. |
| Malocclusion |
Any deviation from a normal occlusion. |
| Mandible |
The lower jaw. |
| Masking |
An opaque covering used as an undercoat so that metal will not show through plastic or porcelain veneers. |
| Master Cast (model) |
The positive reproduction in stone made from an accurate final impression. |
| Master Model |
A replica of the tooth surfaces, residual ridge areas, and/or other parts of the dental arch and/or facial structures used to fabricate a dental restoration or prosthesis. |
| Mastication |
The process of chewing food for swallowing and digestion. |
| Matrix |
The foundation in which something is formed. The space remaining in the flask after a wax denture is eliminated and into which material for the denture is packed. |
| Maxilla |
The upper jaw. |
| Maximal Intercuspal Position |
The position where maxillary and mandibular teeth have maximal contact and interdigitation. This is the same as centric occlusion-when the jaws are in centric relation. |
| Mechanical Retention |
Parts bound together by mechanical means, for example, rough surfaces, undercut areas or diatoric holes. |
| Median Line |
An imaginary line running vertically through the center of the face. It is marked on the occlusion rim as a guide to placement of the central incisors. |
| Mesial |
Toward the median line. That surface of a tooth towards median line. |
| Milling |
The procedure where specific areas are ground or adjusted to achieve a specific fit or interface. Also referred to as selective grinding. |
| Milling-In |
The procedure of refining or perfecting the occlusion of teeth by the use of abrasives while the occluding surfaces are rubbed together either on the articulator or in the mouth. |
| Model |
Reproduction in plaster or metal of any object, as a tooth, or the dental arch, by pouring the material into an impression taken from the object. |
| Mold (Mould) |
(1) A term used to specify the shape and size of a tooth according to a certain system of classification. (2) A form in which an object is cast or formed. |
| Mould Chart |
A chart depicting the moulds available in a given line of artificial teeth and listing their dimensions and combinations with appropriate lowers or posteriors. |
| Mould Guide |
All mould available in a given line of artificial teeth. Aids in the selection of the most appropriate mould for an individual and permits interchanging of teeth for better esthetics. Non-usable tooth mould guide - teeth contain iron pins for use as selection aid only. Usable tooth mould guide - all moulds in a given line in usable teeth. |
| Mounting |
The attachment of casts to the articulator with plaster or stone. |
| Mucobuccal Fold |
The line of flexure of the mucous membrane as it passes from the mandible or maxilla to the cheek. |
| Mylohyoid Ridge |
An oblique ridge on the lingual surface of the mandible that extends from the level of the roots of the last molar teeth and that serves as a bony attachment for the mylohyoid muscles forming the floor of the mouth. |
| Neutral Zone |
The potential space between the lips and cheeks on one side and the tongue on the other; that area or position where the forces between the tongue and cheeks or lips are equal. |
| Noble Metal |
A metal not easily oxidized. Example: gold, platinum. Opposite of base metal. |
| Obturator |
A prosthesis used to close a congenital or acquired opening in the palate. |
| Occlude |
To bring together. To bring the mandibular teeth into contact with the maxillary teeth. |
| Occlusal |
(1) Pertaining to the contacting surfaces of opposing occlusal units (teeth or occlusion rims). (2) Pertaining to the masticating surfaces of the posterior teeth. |
| Occlusion |
The relationship between the opposing surfaces of upper and lower teeth when they are in contact either in the mouth or on an articulator. |
| Occlusion Rim |
Occluding surfaces built on baseplates for the purpose of recording maxillomandibular relationships. Also used as a base for arranging the teeth. |
| Oral Surgery |
Deals primarily with the removal of teeth, treatment of jaw fractures, removal of tumors, and correction of malformed facial bones. Other specialties include oral pathology, and public health dentistry. |
| Orthodontics |
Deals with prevention and correction of irregularities of the teeth and jaws. |
| Overbite |
Vertical overlap of the upper anteriors over lowers. |
| Overjet |
Horizontal protrusion of the upper anteriors beyond the lowers. |
| Palate |
The roof of the mouth.
Cleft P. - An opening in the palate. It may be in the hard or soft palate or both and may be present from birth or caused by surgery, disease, or accident.
|
| Papilla |
A small nipple shaped elevation.
Incisive P. - A rounded projection at the anterior end of the palate. Interdental P. - The triangular pad of gum which fills the space between the necks of the teeth.
|
| Partial Denture |
A dental prosthesis which restores one or more, but less than all, of the natural teeth and/or associated parts and which is supposrted by the teeth and/or the mucosa; it may be removable or fixed. |
| Pennyweight (DWT) |
1/20 part of a troy ounce. 24 grains equal 1 dwt. |
| Petrolatum |
A petroleum ointment base used as a lubricant in dentistry (examples: Vaseline®, Triad®, and Model Release Agent). |
| Periphery |
The outward part of the surface or border. A team frequently used to describe the border of a denture or an impression. |
| Phonetics |
The science of sounds used in speech. |
| Polishing |
The procedure where tool marks are removed by the use of fine abrasives to achieve a high gloss surface. |
| Pontic |
That part of a fixed bridge which is suspended between abutments and which replaces a missing tooth or teeth. |
| Posterior Teeth |
Premolars and molars of either jaw. |
| Postpalata Seal Area |
The soft tissue area at or beyond the junction of the hard and soft palate on which pressure, within physiologic limits, can be applied by a denture to aid in its retention. |
| Postpalata Seal |
The seal area at the posterior border of a maxillary prosthesis. |
| Post Dam |
The seal at the posterior border of a denture. Preferred term is posterior palatal seal. |
| Post Dam or Postpalatal Seal |
The seal area at the posterior border of a maxillary prosthesis. |
| Prosthesis |
Dental-an artificial replacement of one or more teeth and/or associated structures. |
| Prosthodontics |
Prosthetic Dentistry; The branch of dental art and science pertaining to restoration of oral function by the replacement of missing teeth and structures by artificial devices. |
| Protrusive Bite (Occlusion) |
Contact relation of the upper and lower teeth when the mandible is brought forward with the anteriors edge to edge. |
| Proximal Surface |
The surface of a tooth which lies next to another tooth. Nearly always the mesial or distal surface unless the tooth is rotated. |
| Pulp |
The connective tissue found in the pulp chamber and canals. It is made up of arteries, veins, nerves, lymph tissue, and connective tissue. |
| Pumice |
An abrasive agent used in many polishing procedures. |
| Quick Cure Resin (Autopolymer Resin) |
An acrylic resin wherein an activating substance has been added to the monomer which will initiate polymerization or cure without the use of external heat. |
| Ramus |
The ascending part of the mandible. |
| Rebase |
A process of refitting a denture by replacement of the denture base material on a new case without changing the occlusal relations of the teeth. |
| Relief |
The reduction or elimination of pressure from a specific area under a denture base. |
| Reline |
To resurface the tissue side of a denture with new base material to make it fit more accurately. |
| Removable Partial Denture |
A partial denture which may be removed and replaced by the patient. |
| Resorption |
The gradual reduction in volume and size of the alveolar portion of the mandible or maxilla. |
| Retainer |
(1) Any type of clasp, attachment, or device used for the fixation or stabilization of prosthesis. (2) A device used by orthodontist to maintain teeth in the desired position after orthodontic treatment. |
| Retromolar Pad |
A mass of tissue usually pear-shaped, which is located at the distal termination of the mandibular residual ridge. |
| Retrusion |
A backward position of the mandible. |
| Ridge |
The remainder of the alveolar process and its soft tissue covering after the teeth are removed.
Center of R. - The bucco-lingual midline of the residual ridge. Crest of R. - The highest continuous surface of the ridge, but not necessarily the center of the ridge. (2)The top of the residual or alveolar ridge.
|
| Ridge Lap |
The area of an artificial tooth which normally overlaps the alveolar ridge. It corresponds on the inner surface of the tooth approximately to the location of the collar on the facial surface. |
| Roentgenogram |
Photograph made with X-rays. |
| Rugae |
The irregular ridges found in the anterior region of the upper hard palate. They aid in speech and manipulation |
| Saddle (Base) |
The part of a partial denture, upper or lower, which fits on the alveolar ridge and in which the teeth are held. |
| Sagittal Plane |
The plane that divides the body vertically into two equal halves. |
| Saturation or Chroma |
The relative strength of a hue. |
| Scribe |
To write, trace, or mark by making a line or lines with a pointed instrument. |
| Separator or Separating Medium |
A coating applied to a surface and serving to prevent a second surface from adhering to the first. |
| Set Up |
(noun) A broad term usually denoting a full upper and lower arrangement of teeth in wax. (verb) The act of arranging and positioning artificial teeth in a complete or partial denture. |
| Set-Up Wax |
Specially formulated for arranging and articulating artificial teeth, this wax can be "stretched" and moved without breaking, and boils-out cleanly. (Source: DENTSPLY Set-Up Wax directions). |
| Shade Guide |
Samples of colors, which are available in manufactured teeth. |
| Shade Selection |
The determination of the color (hue, brilliance, saturation) of an artificial tooth or set of teeth for a given patient. |
| Shelf Life |
The period of time which a material can be stored without losing its useful properties. |
| Sluice Ways |
The escape ways through which food leaves the occlusal portion of the teeth in the process of chewing. |
| Spatulate |
To manipulate or mix with a spatula. |
| Splint |
An appliance for the fixation of movable, displaced, or fractured parts. |
| Sprue |
Wax or metal used to form the aperture or passageway for molten metal to flow into a mold to make a casting; also the metal which later fills the sprue hole. |
| Stabilized Baseplate |
A baseplate lined with a plastic material to improve its fit and stability. |
| Stippling |
To create depressions in the buccal and labial surface of the denture base to prevent leafy foods from adhering. |
| Sulcus |
A groove or depression on the surface of a tooth. |
| Surveying |
The procedure of locating and outlining the contour and position of abutment teeth and associated structures on the master cast before designing a removable partial denture. The purpose is to determine the most favorable path of insertion for the partial and to mark survey lines on the teeth to aid in the development of a suitable design for the metal frame work. |
| Suture Line |
A junction point where the bones of the cranium unite. |
| Swage |
To shape metal by hammering or adapting it onto a die. |
| Teeth, Anatomic |
Artificial teeth which closely duplicate the form and appearance of natural teeth. |
| Teeth, Non-Anatomic |
Teeth whose occlusal surfaces are based on mechanical rather than anatomic forms. |
| Teeth, Plastic |
Artificial teeth constructed of synthetic resins. |
| Teeth, Porcelain |
Artificial teeth constructed of feldspar, kaolin, and silica. |
| Teeth, Tube |
Artificial teeth constructed with a vertical, cylindric aperture extending from the center of the base up into the body of the tooth into which a pin may be placed or cast for the attachment of the tooth to a restoration. |
| Teeth, Zero Degree |
Posterior teeth having a flat occlusal surface. |
| Template |
A flat or curved plate usually of metal which is used as a guide in arranging artificial teeth. |
| Tensile Strength |
Resistance to breakage from a stretching or pulling force. |
| Thermal Expansion |
Expansion caused by heat. |
| Thermoplastic |
A polymeric material, which can be softened by heat and which, hardens upon cooling. |
| Transverse Horizontal Axis |
Also called the hinge axis. An imaginary line around which the mandible may rotate within the sagittal plane. All articulators function within the hinge axis. |
| Trauma |
A hurt; a wound; an injury; damage; impairment; external violence producing bodily injury or degeneration. |
| Try-In |
A preliminary insertion of a wax-up trial denture, partial denture casting or finished restoration to determine the fit, esthetics, maxillomandibular relations, etc. |
| Try-In Selector |
(Shade Selector) A set of 6 upper anterior artificial teeth in each shade available in a given line of teeth to permit visualizing the effect of "staggered" shades by selecting laterals and canines of a shade different from the centrals. |
| Tuberosity |
A bulge sometimes found at the posterior end of the maxillary ridge. |
| Vacuum Fired |
The baking of porcelain in a vacuum to eliminate trapped air. |
| Vault |
The palate or roof of the mouth. |
| Veneer |
A thin layer. |
| Vertical Dimension |
A vertical measurement of the face between any two arbitrarily selected points which are conveniently located, one above and one below the mouth, usually in the midline. |
| Vertical Dimension of Occlusion |
The distance measured between two points when the occluding members are in contact. |
| Working Side |
The lateral segment of a denture or dentition toward which the mandible is moved. |
