KEY TERMS

BiteHow the upper teeth and lower teeth fit together so that a person can chew and speak. BridgeA device that has at least one prosthetic tooth and two crowns. It is used to replace a missing tooth or teeth. The bridge is held in place when the adjacent crowns on the bridge are cemented over the two teeth on each side of the space left by the missing tooth or teeth. CrownA dental prosthetic that copies an existing tooth's shape (or ideal shape) and covers the tooth. It is cemented into place and feels like and is used as a normal tooth. DentureA dental prosthetic device consisting of a full set of teeth to fill the upper or lower jaw, or both. Also called false teeth. ImplantA prosthetic tooth anchored permanently into the jaw bone by a post. It has the same strength and appearance as natural teeth. ImpressionAn exact copy of the teeth and mouth using materials that will set sufficiently so that a more durable cast of the mouth can be made from plaster, dental stone, or other casting materials. Investment moldA plaster-like substance that is created around a wax model of an object that is to be cast in metal. Lost wax castingA process of casting metal that involves making a mold around a wax object that has been shaped exactly in the likeness of the intended finished object. The mold is then fired and the wax melts. The resultant mold is durable and capable of receiving molten metals which will be cast in the mold in the shape of the desired object. MoldA form or physical outline of an object used to hold a pliable material in order to copy the same shape or design. Orthodontic appliancesDevices that help straighten the teeth; e.g. invisible braces, retainers, etc. Partial denturesA dental prosthetic of two or more teeth used to replace missing teeth. Prosthetic deviceA re-creation of a tooth or series of teeth to replace or improve the structure or appearance of a tooth or teeth. RestorationAny prosthetic device or process used to replace or improve the structure or appearance of a tooth or teeth.