Prosthodontics definitions:
Ante’s law: In fixed partial denture(FPD) prosthodontics for the observation that the combined pericemental area of all the abutment teeth supporting a fixed partial denture should be equal to or greater in pericemental area than the tooth or teeth being replaced; as formulated for (RPD)removable partial denture prosthodontics the combined pericemental area of the abutment teeth plus the mucous area of the denture base should be equal to or greater than the pericemental area of the missing teeth. (GPT 9)
Articulator: A mechanical device that represents the temporomandibular joints and jaws, to which maxillary and mandibular casts may be attached to simulate some or all mandibular movements. (GPT 9)
Balanced occlusion:
(1) The simultaneous contacting of maxillary and mandibular teeth on the right and left and in the posterior and anterior occlusal areas in centric and eccentric positions. – (Heartwell)
(2) Stable simultaneous contact of the apposing upper and lower teeth in centric relation position and a continuous smooth bilateral gliding from this position to any eccentric position within normal range of mandibular function. – (Winkler)
Centric relation/centric jaw relation: A maxillomandibular relationship, independent of tooth contact, in which the condyles articulate in the anterior-superior position against the posterior slopes of the articular eminences; in this position the mandible is restricted to a purely rotary movement; from this unstrained, physiologic, maxillomandibular relationship, the patient can make vertical ,lateral or protrusive movements; it is a clinically useful, repeatable reference position.(GPT 9)
Centric occlusion: The occlusion of opposing teeth when the mandible is in centric relation; this may or may not coincide with the maximal intercuspal position. (GPT 9)
Clasp: The component of the clasp assembly that engages a portion of the tooth surface and either enters an undercut for retention or remains entirely above the height of contour to act as reciprocating element; generally it is used to stabilize and retain a removable partial denture. (GPT 9)
Clasp assembly: The part of removable partial denture that acts as a direct retainer and/or stabilizer for prosthesis by partially encompassing or contacting an abutment tooth. (GPT 9)
Combination clasp: A circumferential retainer for a removable partial denture that has a cast reciprocal arm and a wrought wire retentive clasp.
(GPT 9)
Complete denture prosthetics: A fixed or removable dental prosthesis that replaces the entire dentition and associated structures of the maxillae or mandible. (GPT 9)
Condylar guidance: The mechanical form located in the posterior region of an articulator that controls movement of its mobile member. (GPT 9)
Connector:
(1) In removable prosthodontics, the portion of a removable partial denture that unites its components.
(2)In fixed prosthodontics, the portion of a fixed partial denture that unites the retainer(s) and pontic(s). (GPT 9)
Coping: A thin covering or crown made of metal alloy or ceramic that is luted to an abutment supporting an overdenture, fixed partial denture, or fixed complete denture.(GPT 9)
Curve of monsoon: Ideal curve of occlusion in which each cusp and incisal edge touches or conforms to a segment of the surface of the surface of a sphere 8 inches in diameter with its center in the region of the glabella.(GPT 9)
Curve of occlusion: The average curve established by the incisal edges and occlusal surfaces of the anterior and posterior teeth in either arch.(GPT 9)
Curve of spee: The anatomic curve established by the occlusal alignment of the teeth, as projected onto the median plane, beginning with the cusp tip of the mandibular canine and following the buccal cusp tips of the premolar and molar teeth, continuing through the anterior border of the mandibular ramus, ending with the anterior most portion of the mandibular condyle.(GPT 9)
Curve of wilson/Mediolateral curve: In the mandibular arch, that curve (viewed in frontal plane), which is concave and contacts the buccal and cusp tips of the mandibular molars; in the maxillary arch, that curve(viewed in frontal plane),which is convex and contacts the buccal and lingual cusp tips of the maxillary molars.(GPT 9)
Eccentric jaw relation: Any relationship of the mandible to the maxillae other than centric relation (GPT 4)
Fixed partial denture: Any dental prosthesis that is luted , screwed, or mechanically attached or otherwise securely retained to natural teeth, tooth roots, and/or dental implants/abutments that furnish the primary support for the dental prosthesis and restoring teeth in a partially edentulous arch; it cannot the patient.(GPT 9)
Fixed dental prosthesis: Any prosthesis that is securely fixed to a natural tooth or teeth, or to one or more dental implant abutment; it cannot be removed by the patient.(GPT 9)
Fulcrum line:
(1) a theoretical line passing through the point around which a lever functions and at right angles to its path of movement
(2) an imaginary line, connecting occlusal rests, around which a removable partial denture tends to rotate under masticatory forces; the determinants for the fulcrum line are usually the cross-arch occlusal rests on the most distally located abutment.(GPT 9)