Dental Terms

Maxilla

upper jaw

Mandibular

lower jaw

retarder

slows down the setting of gypsum materials

accelerator

speeds up the setting of gypsum materials

prosthetic dentistry

science of repairing or replacing oral structures inside the mouth

mastication

the chewing of food

model

positive copy of a patients mouth

anterior teeth

centrals, laterals, and cuspids

cervix

the neck of the tooth

setup

way in which teeth are arranged in arch

articulator

simulates jaw movements and relation

interproximal

the space between two teeth

bilateral

two sides

mesial

the surface of the tooth closest to the midline

dentition

the occluding natural teeth of either jaws, or a representing thereof.

centric occlusion

the relationship between the maxilla and mandibular jaws when the mouth is closed.

base plate

temporary form of representing base of dentition

incisive papilla

small tissue bump located behind anterior teeth in midline

periphery roll

border of denture

ridge lap

where you put diatonic holes

diastema

gap between two teeth such as centrals

incisal edge

cutting edge surface of the teeth

impression

negative copy or imprint of a patients mouth

compensating curve

combination of two curves made when the denture teeth are set in anteroposterior and lateral curve for achieving balanced occlusion

balanced occlusion

the bilateral, simultaneous, anterior and posterior occlusal contact of teeth in centric eccentric positions. (Both sides of jaws having contact)

protrusive

out; when mandibular moves forward out of centric occlusion (teeth touching in incisal edges)

centric relations

relationship between maxilla and mandibular when mouth is in rest position.

festooning

the process of contouring and creating root shape on the denture base.

retrognatic (class 2 occlusion)

a retruded position of the mandible in relation to the maxillae

prognathic (class 3 occlusion)

a protruded position of the mandible in relation to the maxillae. A protrusion of the mandible in relation to the maxillae.