Glossary of Common Dental Terms

Glossary of Common Dental Terminology

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A
Abutment:	A natural tooth that has been reduced in size, or the exposed part of a dental implant; used to support a fixed crown, or one side of a multi-unit bridge, or a part or all of a denture.
Acrylic Resin:	The colored plastic material that resembles the patients gums and is used to make the denture base (that holds the denture's teeth).
Alloy:	A combination of two or more specific metals that are combined to precise ratios to attain specific characteristics such as strength or color. The dental alloys are used for casting copings for porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns, full-cast crowns, and other components for dental restorations.
Alma Gauge:	A precise measuring device for accurate denture construction that pinpoints the vertical and horizontal position of the central incisor teeth relationship to the incisive papilla in a two dimensions.
Alveolar bone:	(al veel' ar) The portion of the upper and lower jaw bone structure to which the teeth are attached or supported.
Amalgam:	A primarily obsolete alloy of mercury and silver (with other metals) used as a restorative material for filings and for making dies.
Anneal:	A process that changes the properties of a metal by controlled heating and cooling.
Anterior (Teeth):	The 6 upper and / or 6 lower front teeth.
Antero-Posterior:	Extending from the front backward.
Articulate:	To mount the upper and lower models on any one of many types of devises (articulator) that are designed to mimic the natural movement and relationship of the upper and lower jaws / teeth, so that the two models (with or without the prosthetics) come together in proper occlusion (relationship to each other). Can also mean; To arrange the teeth in their proper positions on a model to properly occlude with the opposing teeth.
Articulation:	The [proper] contact of the opposing teeth in closed position and in lateral and protrusive movements.
Articulator:	A devise that represents the temporomandibular joints and jaws, to which maxillary and mandibular dental models are attached to simulate some or all mandibular movements and to match the person's natural occlusion.
Artificial Stone:	Any number of gypsum products similar to plaster but with much greater density, more strength and very precise expansion and contraction ratios to ensure exact replication of the patients existing teeth and dental conditions.
B
Backing:	A metal support which serves to attach a facing to a prosthesis.
Balance (in occlusion):	As it relates to dentistry: The simultaneous [ideal / proper] contact of tooth surfaces in different parts of the mouth usually a goal in fabricating dentures to ensure the dentures do not rock or move.
Balancing Side:	The side opposite the working side of the dentition or denture. Also see "Working Side".
Base Metal:	Any metal such as copper, iron, or nickel metal that oxidizes or corrodes relatively easily.
Base-plate:	A temporary form representing the base of a denture which is used for establishing the relationship of the upper and lower jaw on which the teeth will be arranged.
Base-plate Wax:	A wax (usually pink) that is used for making occlusion rims, waxing dentures, and sometimes used in other dental processes.
Bennett Movement:	The lateral shift of the condyle.
Bite Block/s:	Foam or rubber pieces that a dentist inserts between a patient's teeth to assist the patient in keeping their mouth open sufficiently while the dentist works.
Bonding Agent:	A material used to promote adhesion between two different substances; as it relates to dentistry, it is a material used between a restoration and natural tooth structure.
Boxing:	Placing a wall of wax around all or part of a dental impression to retain the plaster or stone as the model is poured.
Bridge:	A fixed restoration to replace one or more missing teeth. A bridge is attached to properly prepared natural tooth structure or to one or more implants (which furnish the support) across the space in which one or more teeth are missing. One or more missing teeth are replaced with a simulated tooth (partial tooth - no root structure) which is referred to as a pontic (or pontics).
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 gray, the less brilliant it appears.
Buccal:	As it relates to dentistry: The surface of the tooth that is on the 'outside' - nearest the lips or cheeks. Synonymous with 'facial' and 'labial'.
Buccal Frenum:	The web-like tissue, which attaches the cheeks to the alveolar ridge in the premolar region of each arch.
Burnish:	The flattening or finishing-out of a malleable metal through pressure. As it relates to dentistry; the finishing of the edges (margins) of a metal coping to precisely match / fit the prepared edges of the reduced tooth (abutment).

C
Cast (noun):	As it relates to dentistry: an exact duplication of all or part of a patients dentition formed by pouring a material (usually stone or plaster) into a dental impression. Almost always referred to as a "model".
Cast (verb):	The act of investing molten dental alloy to form the copings for porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns, or a full-cast crowns, or some other components for dental restorations.
Cast Study:	A duplicate of dental structure/s for the purpose of treatment planning and for exact duplication of existing dentition when that is required. Same as "Study Model".
Central Bearing Point:	The anatomical center of the upper arch which is the specific point that determines the upper articulator mounting position.
Centric Occlusion:	The relations of occluding tooth surfaces when the jaws are in centric relation. For dentures, this is the same position as the maximum planned contact or intercuspation.
Centric Relation 1:	1. The most posterior relation of the mandible to the maxilla at the established vertical dimension.
Centric Relation 2:	2. 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.
Clasp:	The part of a partial denture which partly encircles an abutment tooth and helps to support, stabilize, and retain the denture. Clasps can be made out of metal or various acrylic-type materials.
Class I Arch:	Dental arch form with a shallow palatal vault; generally square or ovoid arch form.
Class II Arch:	Dental arch form with a moderate palatal vault; generally square tapering arch form.
Class III Arch:	Dental arch form with a deep palatal vault; generally tapering arch form.
Cleft Palate:	An unnatural opening in the hard or soft palate or both; usually present at birth or caused disease, or trauma.
Condyle:	The rounded end of a bone at the articular end of the mandible.
Connector:	A term used in meaning a bar, which connects two or more parts of the partial denture prosthesis. A 'major connector' is the rigid bar which connects the main sections of a partial denture. A 'minor connector' is the bar that connects the clasps to frame.
Coping:	A thin substrate or matrix usually made of cast dental alloy or various types of ceramic that fits over a prepared tooth and becomes the foundation that porcelain is built on to makes crown.
Cross Bite:	A condition in which the ridge of the mandible lies far enough outside the maxillary ridge that normal arrangement of teeth is not possible.
Cross-linked:	At a simple level, it is the linking of polymer chains at a molecular level to change the properties of a chemical compound.
Crown:	A prosthetic component that replaces the damaged or decayed coronal portion of an otherwise stable / viable tooth.
Curing:	The process by which a chemical compound is allowed to stabilize and reach it's desired / optimum state. As it relates to dentistry: In fabricating dentures, it is the process in which the denture base material is hardened.
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:	A lateral curve of the occlusal table formed by the lingual inclination of the posterior teeth.
Cuspid Line:	In the early stages of fabricating a denture, it is the point that the dentist marks on an occlusion rim to indicate the desired position of the distal, mesial, or middle of the cuspid (canine) teeth.
D
Deciduous Teeth:	Also referred to as "Baby teeth" or "Milk teeth". The first teeth (usually total of 16) of childhood which are later replaced by the permanent teeth.
Dentition:	Natural teeth in both the upper and lower dental arches.
Dentulous:	Having natural teeth present in the mouth.
Denture:	A prosthetic devices that replicate and replaces multiple missing teeth. Most often supported by the natural ridge and surrounding soft and hard tissues of the oral cavity or supported by dental implants.
Denture Service:	All of the procedures and process which are involved in the diagnosis, fabrication, maintenance, and repair of partial or complete dentures.
Denture, Complete:	A prosthetic devices that replicate and replaces the complete natural dentition of the maxilla or mandible. Most often supported by the natural ridge and surrounding soft and hard tissues of the oral cavity or supported by dental implants.
Denture, Immediate:	A dental prosthesis constructed before removal of the teeth and inserted at the time of extraction.
Diagnosis:	A medical (or scientific) analysis of the cause or nature of a condition, situation, and usually resulting in a conclusive decision regarding the evaluation of the conditions.
Diagnostic Model:	As it relates to dentistry: An actual-size reproduction of all or a part of the teeth and part of the oral cavity and/or facial structures for the purpose of treatment planning.
Diastema:	A space between two adjacent teeth in the same dental arch - usually when the two teeth defining the space do not touch at any point. Also see "Embrasure".
Diatoric:	The hole drilled in a denture tooth that allows denture base material to fill the hole and facilitate better retention of the tooth in the base material.
Die:	A reproduction of a single tooth, usually in metal or stone, used to fabricate and verify the final fit of a crown, bridge or similar dental restoration.
Distal:	The side of each tooth that is farthest away from the center line in the dental arch. Opposite of "Mesial".
E
Edentics:	A specific program of ongoing care and treatment for the edentulous patient.
Edentulous:	Without teeth. Usually one arch or the entire mouth.
Embrasure:	A triangular space defined by two adjacent teeth and the gum tissue between those two teeth - when the two teeth have some visible interproximal contact. Also see "Diastema".
Enamel:	The outermost hard white substance that covers and protects the dentin of the tooth.
Endodontics:	The part of dentistry that deals with the diagnosis and treatment of conditions that affect the tooth pulp, root and periapical tissues.
Esthetics:	As it relates to dentistry: The aspects of a dental restoration involving the appearance of the restoration as it compares to ideal or natural dentition.
Extra-Oral:	Outside of the mouth. Opposite of "intra-oral".

F
Face-Bow:	A caliper-like tool that is used to record the relationship between the maxilla and condyles of the mandible and to transfer this relationship to an articulator so that the model can be articulated to exactly represent the conditions of the patient.
Facial:	As it relates to dentistry: The surface of the tooth that is on the 'outside' - nearest the lips or cheeks. Synonymous with 'buccal' and 'labial'.
Festoon[ing]:	Shaping of the surface in the base material of a denture to simulate the contours of the natural tissues.
Finishing:	As it relates to dentistry: Usually the final procedure in which scratches and / or other surface defects are removed using polishing instruments.
Fixed Bridge:	See "Bridge".
Flash:	The excess liquid or viscous material that has been squeezed out during the processing of the materials - usually under pressure or during casting.
Flask:	A metal or plastic frame usually comprised of 2 or three sections into which a denture is invested for processing.
Flasking:	The process of covering a wax-up denture in a flask with an investment material before processing.
Foramen:	A natural hole or opening in the bone.
Fossa:	A small cavity or depression in a bone.
Foveae Palantinae:	Two small pits or depressions in on each side of the mid-line in the posterior area of the palate at or near the attachment of the soft palate to the hard palate.
Frenum:	The small bands of connective tissue that attaches the tongue (frenulum linguae), upper lip (labii superioris), the lower lip (labii inferioris), and cheeks (buccal frena) to adjacent tissue / structures.
G
Gerodontics:	That branch of dentistry, which deals with the dental conditions of the aged.
Gingiva:	That part of the gum tissue that immediately surrounds a tooth.
Glaze:	As it relates to dentistry: The durable top-coat material on porcelain or ceramic that is applied prior to the final firing of porcelain to give a high gloss and sometimes add final color/shade.
H
Hamular Notch:	The notch formed by the junction of the maxilla and the pterygoid hamulus of the sphenoid bone. Also see: Retromolar Pad
High Lip Line:	The highest point on the front (posterior) teeth to which the lip is raised in normal function or when smiling broadly.
Hue:	The gradation of color that allows the colors to be classed as red, yellow, green, blue, or an intermediate between any contiguous pair of these colors.

I
Immediate Denture:	A temporary denture that is fabricated before removal of the teeth and inserted at the time of extraction.
implant:	As it relates to dentistry: A metal unit (almost always resembling a screw) that is inserted into and integrates with the jaw bone to replace one or more tooth roots and ultimately one or more teeth by adding an abutment and other components.
Impression:	As it relates to dentistry: the tray of material that the patient 'bites' into to give a negative reproduction of a given portion of the dentition so that a model can be produced.
Incisive Papilla:	The projection of soft tissue on the palate near the incisors covering the (opening) of the incisive or nasopalatine canal.
Index:	A mechanical method used to establish a position of a component so that it may be removed and place it back in exactly the same position each time.
Inlay:	A restoration (usually made of gold, or a ceramic, or composite material) that is made to fit a prepared tooth cavity that involves one to four surfaces of a tooth and then cemented into place. Once a tooth prepared and covered on all five surfaces, the restoration is referred to as a crown.
Inter-Condylar Distance:	The distance between the rotational centers of two condyles or their analogues.
Interproximal:	Between two adjoining tooth surfaces in the same arch.
Interproximal contact:	The point of contact between two adjoining tooth surfaces in the same arch.
Intra-Oral:	Within the mouth. Opposite of "extra-oral".
Investing:	As it relates to dentistry: The process of covering a wax-up coping with an investment material before casting or high-pressure heat-pressing.
Investment:	As it relates to dentistry: a refractory material used to form a mold of a coping for casting or for high-pressure heat-injection.
J
No words in common dental terminology start with the letter "J"
K
No words in common dental terminology start with the letter "K"
L
Labial:	As it relates to dentistry: The surface of the tooth that is on the 'outside' - nearest the lips or cheeks. Synonymous with 'facial' and 'buccal'.
Labial Flange:	The portion of the flange of a denture that occupies the labial vestibule of the mouth.
Labial Frenum:	See 'Frenum'.
Laminate:	As it relates to dentistry; A thin restoration placed on the front (facial) side of usually the anterior teeth. Same as "veneer".
Lateral Movement:	Movement of the mandible to the side.
Lingual:	As it relates to dentistry: The surface of the tooth that is on the 'inside' - nearest the tongue.
Lingual Bar:	A metal bar on the lingual side of the ridge that is used to connect the right and left sides of a lower partial denture.
Low Lip Line:	The lowest point on the lower (mandibular) front (posterior) teeth to which the lower lip resides during normal function or when smiling broadly.
M
Malocclusion:	Crooked, crowded, protruding, or other problems with the teeth that cause them to improperly occlude. It may affect a person's appearance or speech, but more often it affects their ability to properly bite and chew.
Mandible:	The lower jaw.
Mandibular tori:	See Tori, mandibular
Master Cast (model):	See 'Master Model'.
Master Model:	Usually the first pour from a dental impression. An accurate reproduction of dentition (usually in stone) that is generally not used for the portions of the production of the dental prosthesis / restoration that would degrade the model.
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 portion of a denture is eliminated and into which the acrylic material for the denture is placed.
Maxilla:	The upper jaw.
Maximal Intercuspal Position:	The position where maxillary and mandibular teeth have maximal contact and interdigitation. Same as centric occlusion - when the jaws are in correct centric relation.
Mechanical Retention:	Components bound together by methods other than or in addition to chemical retention (adhesives). Example: diatoric holes.
Median Line:	An imaginary line running vertically through the center of the face. Used to establish the center line / mid-line of the central incisors on an occlusion rim in the early steps of fabricating a full denture.
Mesial:	The side of each tooth that is closest to the center line in the dental arch. Opposite of "Mesial".
Milling:	As it relates to dentistry: A process (usually in a lab) in which an implant component or other component of a restoration is ground or adjusted to achieve a specific size or shape to fit or interface with another component of the total restoration.
Milling-In:	The process whereby the dentists perfects the occlusion of the teeth by grinding the occluding surfaces as needed either on the articulator or in the mouth to achieve optimal occlusion.
Model:	A reproduction of a patients dentition and or gums - poured in plaster or similar stone into a dental impression taken in the dental office.
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.
Mold / Mould Chart:	For denture fabrication: A chart depicting the molds available in a manufacturer's line of artificial teeth, that lists their shades and dimensions and combinations with appropriate lowers or posteriors.
Mounting:	Attachment of dental models to the articulator with plaster (or other materials), to correctly mimic the patient's occlusion and jaw movements.
Mucobuccal Fold:	The point / line where the mucous membrane passes from the mandible or maxilla and becomes soft and flexible as it connects to the cheek.
N
Noble Metal:	A metal resistant to corrosion, oxidizing and tarnishing. Examples: gold, platinum. palladium. As it refers to dental alloys: an alloy that is at least 60% precious metal/s.
O
Obturator:	A prosthetic device used to close an opening in the palate.
Occlude:	Bringing the bottom (mandibular) teeth into contact with the (top) maxillary teeth.
Occlusal:	Usually referring to the top / chewing surfaces of the posterior teeth.
Occlusion:	The relationship between the surfaces of upper and lower teeth when they are in contact with each other either in the mouth or on an articulator.
Occlusion (Occlusal) Rim:	Artificial occluding surfaces usually fabricated of wax on base-model/s for denture cases. They are used to establish the correct maxillomandibular relation and frequently used to establish the size and location of the anterior denture teeth.
Onlay:	See "Inlay".
Oral Surgery:	A specialized branch of dentistry that deals primarily with the removal of teeth, the treatment of and correction of malformed facial bones, the removal of oral tumors, etc.
Orthodontics:	A specialized branch of dentistry that deals with the diagnosis and treatment of conditions that affect the irregularities of the teeth and jaws. Most commonly associated with the correction of misalignment of teeth.
Overbite:	Vertical overlap of the upper anterior teeth over lower anterior teeth.
Overjet:	Horizontal protrusion of the upper anterior teeth beyond the lower anterior teeth.
P
Palate:	The roof of the mouth.
Papilla (1):	As it relates to dentistry: #1 A small nipple shaped elevation at the base of a developing tooth.
Papilla (2):		#2 One of the small, round or cone-shaped protuberances on the top of the tongue that contain taste buds.
Papilla (3):		#3 A rounded projection at the back of the palate. Interdental P. - The triangular pad of gum which fills the space between the necks of the teeth.
Papilla (4):		#4 The triangular pad of gum tissue between the teeth.
Partial Denture:	A removable (sometimes fixed with implants) dental prosthesis which replaces some (but not all), of the natural teeth - usually fabricated over a metal framework.
	A denture which is made to fit around some random, remaining natural teeth, Usually fabricated with a metal framework under the acrylic and often held in place with clasps that clip to those remaining natural teeth.
Pennyweight (DWT):	A measurement of precious metals - usually gold. 1 dwt is equal to 1/20 of a troy ounce or 24 grains.
Periphery:	The outer part of a surface or border. A team sometimes used to describe the border of a denture or an impression.
Polishing:	Removing unwanted marks and / or creating a shine using a fine abrasive compound - usually on a cloth wheel.
Pontic:	The part of a fixed dental bridge that is suspended between the two abutments and looks like and replaces a missing tooth.
Posterior (Teeth):	The back teeth - premolars and molars of the upper and / or lower jaw.
Postpalatal Seal Area:	The soft tissue area close to the junction of the hard and soft palate on which pressure can be applied to help a denture stay in place.
Postpalatal Seal:	A ridge that is built into the posterior border of a maxillary denture that helps form a seal to help create suction to retain the prosthesis against the palate.
Prosthesis:	As it relates to dentistry: an artificial replacement of one or more teeth and / or dental structures.
Prosthodontics:	Prosthetic Dentistry; The branch of dentistry specializing in the restoration of function by the replacement of missing teeth and structures with artificial devices.
Protrusive Bite:	The contact relation of the upper and lower (anterior) teeth when the edges of the lower front teeth are brought forward with the edges with the upper front teeth.
Proximal Surface:	The side-surface of a tooth which is next to another tooth. (Usually it will be the mesial or distal surface, unless the tooth is rotated.)
Pulp:	Within the tooth, the soft center containing the dental pulp is called the pulp chamber. The pulp contains blood vessels and nerves that enter through the apical foramen (the tip of the root).
Pumice:	An abrasive agent used for polishing during the fabrication of dentures.
Q
No words in common dental terminology start with the letter "Q"

R
Ramus:	The portion of the lower jaw bone ("mandible") extending from the condylar neck to the molar teeth. (Basically the back part of the lower jawbone that angles up.)
Rebase:	The process of replacing the denture base material while using the same teeth and without changing the occlusal relations of those teeth.
Reline:	To re-surface the tissue side of a denture with new hard or soft material to make the denture fit more accurately and comfortably.
Resorption:	The gradual natural reduction in volume and size of the alveolar portion of the jaw bones.
Retainer:	(1) A device used by orthodontists to hold teeth in a desired location / position during or after orthodontic treatment. (2) Any type of clasp, attachment, or other device that is used to hold a dental prosthesis such as a partial denture.
Retromolar Pad:	The tissue (usually pear-shaped), located at the distal termination of the mandibular residual ridge. Also see "Hamular Notch".
Retrusion:	Generally; a form of malocclusion in which the teeth or jaws are further to a posterior position then is considered normal. Also, a term used to describe teeth (usually incisors) tipping inward (toward the tongue or palate). For very young children, this is often a result of thumb sucking or other oral habits, which put inward pressure on the front teeth.
Ridge:	The alveolar bone and the attached soft tissue that supported / surrounded the teeth after the teeth are removed.
Roentgenogram:	Radiography is the process in which X-rays are exposed to film to produce a roentgenogram; so, the picture that is commonly and incorrectly referred to as an "X-ray" is a roentgenogram.
Rugae:	The irregular ridges found in the anterior (front) region of the upper hard palate.
S
Saddle (Base):	The part of a denture that fits on the alveolar ridge and in which the teeth are held.
Sagittal Plane:	The plane that divides the body vertically into two equal and mostly symmetrical halves.
Separator / Separating Medium:	A material used as a coating that is applied to a surface to prevent a second material from adhering to the first.
Set Up:	(1) A term used to describe a completed full upper and / or lower arrangement of denture teeth in wax. (2) The act of arranging and positioning teeth in a complete or partial denture.
Set-Up Wax:	One of the early and fundamental steps in fabricating a denture in with a technician arranges artificial teeth in wax to establish the final position of the teeth in their permanent material.
Shade Guide:	A standardized set of tooth colors in the mouth, artificial tooth colors, porcelain colors, and tissue colors which are used by the dentist and the laboratory to accurately communicate the desired color/s of the teeth and / or tissue for the patient's prostheses.
Shelf Life:	The period of time which a material can be stored without losing its useful properties or becoming unstable or unsafe.
Sluice Ways:	The "valleys" (opposite of cusps) through which food leaves the occlusal portion of the teeth when chewing.
Sprue:	Wax stem that is melted / burned away to provide a passageway for molten metal or ceramic material to flow into a mold to make a coping. (2) The excess metal (stem) which results from casting the sprue hole after the wax was melted / burned away.
Stabilized Base-plate:	A denture base-plate lined that is lined with a material to improve its fit and stability.
Stippling:	The texture on the mostly buccal (and labial) surfaces of the denture base to give a natural appearance.
Sulcus:	The "pocket" all the way around a tooth between the tooth and the gums.
Surveying:	The procedure of locating and outlining the contour and position of abutment teeth on the dental model before designing a removable partial denture / a metal frame work, or a fixed restoration to determine the most functional path of insertion for the restoration or partial denture.

T
Teeth, Anatomic:	Artificial teeth which closely duplicate the shape, anatomy, translucency, and other aspects of natural teeth.
Teeth, Non-Anatomic:	Teeth whose occlusal surfaces (top / chewing surfaces) are based on mechanical / functional capability rather than anatomic forms.
Teeth, Plastic:	Artificial teeth made with various synthetic resins.
Teeth, Porcelain:	Artificial teeth made with feldspar, kaolin, and silica. Also loosely used to define a crown or bridge which the exposed surfaces are covered with porcelain.
Teeth, Zero Degree:	Posterior teeth having a occlusal surfaces that are neither angled to the buccal (outside) or the lingual (tongue side).
Thermal Expansion:	Expansion caused by externally applied heat or heat generated during a chemically reaction or process.
Thermoplastic:	A polymeric material, which can be softened by the application of heat and hardens when cooled to a specific temperature.
Tori, mandibular:	A single bony growth in the inside (nearest to the tongue) of the lower jaw (usually a bilateral condition = found on both sides of the mouth - see Torus Mandibularis ). Mandibular tori are usually near the premolars (above the location where the mylohyoid muscle attaches to the mandible).
Torus mandibularis:	The plural form of mandibular tori.
Try-In:	A preliminary insertion of a wax-up denture or a fixed restoration to determine the fit, and the relationship to the existing dentition prior to finishing the denture or fixed restoration prior to final steps required to finish the restoration.
Tuberosity:	A protuberance (bulge) on a bone or ligament. As it relates to dentistry: a bulge sometimes found at the posterior end of the maxillary ridge.
U
No words in common dental terminology start with the letter "U"
V
Vacuum Fired:	The baking of porcelain or other materials in a vacuum to eliminate trapped air thereby ensuring optimal density and absence of voids.
VDO (also V.D.O.):	See Vertical Dimension of Occlusion.
Veneer:	As it relates to dentistry; A thin restoration placed on the front (facial) side of usually the anterior teeth.
Vertical Dimension:	As it relates to dentistry: A vertical measurement of the face between any two arbitrarily selected points - one above and one below the mouth, (usually near the midline) to establish and record the dimension for fabrication of dentures.
Vertical Dimension of Occlusion:	The distance measured between two points when the occluding teeth are in contact. The dimension usually used to establish the correct distance between the upper and lower jaw for the fabrication of one or both dentures to give a natural appearance to the face and allow the denture/s to function properly.
W
Working Side:	The side of the person's denture or natural dentition which the patient tends to use most (the dominant side of the mouth). Also see "Balancing Side".
X - Y - Z
No words in common dental terminology start with the letter "X", "Y", or "Z"

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