ABPros Prosthodontics key terms

The distance between two selected facial or dental reference points when the mandible is at rest or in maximum intercuspation, used to judge how much vertical space a restoration may change.

The gap between the occlusal surfaces of the upper and lower teeth when the mandible is in its resting posture, typically a few millimeters and used to avoid over-closing a patient.

A clinically determined maxillomandibular relationship in which the condyles sit in their most anterior-superior position against the articular eminences, independent of tooth contact.

The complete, habitual contact of the upper and lower teeth when the jaw is fully closed, regardless of condylar position; the starting point for most occlusal analysis.

Any tooth contact that prevents smooth gliding of the mandible along a normal path or deflects it away from a stable closure, potentially causing wear, mobility, or muscle symptoms.

An arrangement of artificial teeth in which contacts occur simultaneously and bilaterally in centric and are maintained during excursions, distributing load and stabilizing complete dentures.

A complete-denture tooth arrangement where upper lingual cusps occlude into the central fossae of lower teeth, reducing tipping forces and improving food penetration and comfort.

A flat, non-anatomic tooth arrangement with no cusp inclines, chosen for patients with severe ridge resorption or limited neuromuscular control to minimize lateral forces.

A natural-tooth scheme in which anterior teeth protect posteriors in excursions while posterior teeth protect anteriors in centric, guiding load to the strongest structures.

A lateral excursion pattern in which the canines disclude all other teeth on the working side, reducing lateral stress on posterior teeth and their supporting bone.

A lateral excursion in which multiple teeth on the working side share the guiding contacts, distributing lateral forces across several roots rather than one.

A poured replica of the dental arches used to study occlusion, arch form, and space; may be mounted on an articulator for treatment planning.

A registration that relates the maxillary arch to the hinge axis of the mandible, allowing casts to be mounted with the correct orientation on an articulator.

A mechanical device that holds mounted casts and simulates jaw movements, ranging from simple hinge types to fully adjustable instruments for complex reconstructions.

A registration of the relationship between upper and lower teeth or ridges, made in a material such as wax, silicone, or plaster, used to mount casts or set the jaw relation.

A short-term restoration that protects prepared teeth, maintains function and esthetics, and tests the planned design before the definitive prosthesis is delivered.

The final, long-term prosthesis placed after healing and verification of fit, function, and esthetics, intended to serve the patient for years.

A negative record of teeth or soft tissue made with a tray and material, from which a positive cast or digital model is produced for prosthesis fabrication.

A tooth or implant that supports and retains a fixed or removable prosthesis; also the component connecting an implant to its restoration.

The artificial tooth of a fixed partial denture that replaces a missing tooth and rests on the ridge, designed to allow cleaning and avoid tissue irritation.

The portion of a fixed partial denture that is cemented to or engages an abutment tooth, providing support and resistance to dislodgement.

A cemented prosthesis that replaces one or more missing teeth by attaching to adjacent abutment teeth or implants and cannot be removed by the patient.

A prosthesis that replaces missing teeth and is supported by teeth and/or mucosa and can be removed by the patient for cleaning.

The rigid framework component of a removable partial denture that joins the two sides of the arch and distributes forces to the supporting structures.

A retentive or bracing arm of a removable partial denture that engages an abutment tooth to resist displacement while allowing controlled flex.

A rigid extension of a removable partial denture that seats into a prepared tooth surface to provide vertical support and direct forces along the tooth's long axis.

Progressive loss of alveolar bone and soft tissue under a denture after tooth loss, continuing over time and affecting fit, support, and facial contour.

The part of a removable prosthesis that rests on the mucosa and carries the artificial teeth, transmitting functional load to the supporting tissues.

A soft, temporary relining material applied to a denture's intaglio surface to cushion irritated mucosa and allow tissues to recover before a definitive reline.

Shaping the edges of a custom tray with a material to capture the functional extent of the denture-bearing area before the final impression is made.

A raised ridge placed on the posterior palatal border of a maxillary denture to compress soft tissue and improve the seal against the palate.

Direct structural and functional connection between living bone and the surface of a load-bearing implant, without intervening soft tissue.

A fixed or removable restoration that derives its support and retention from dental implants rather than from natural teeth or mucosa.

Joining two or more teeth or implants with a restoration or framework so they act as a unit, distributing forces and stabilizing mobile or weakened abutments.

A band of sound tooth structure encircling the prepared tooth coronal to the margin, which resists fracture and improves retention of the restoration.

The prepared margin of a tooth where the restoration meets the tooth surface; its design and placement affect fit, seal, and gingival health.

A record, often made of rigid material, that confirms the accuracy of a cast or framework relationship before final fabrication or delivery.

A clinical appointment where a trial version of the prosthesis is assessed in the mouth for fit, occlusion, and appearance before final processing.