VITA In-Ceram® Professionals

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

A

Abutment tooth
Tooth that anchors a crown or bridge. Acrylic
Acrylic is a possible alternative for metal-free dental restorations. These materials are tooth-colored but may lead to intolerances and are less durable compared to other materials such as gold and ceramics. Airflow
Measure in which dental plaque can be removed using a powderblaster, air-abrasive device. Airflow is not only an oral hygienic treatment in the field of professional tooth cleaning but also an esthetical method and can be compared to procedures such as bleaching. All-ceramic crown
Crown that is manufactured without a metal framework; it entirely consists of ceramics. In terms of esthetics and oral compatibility it represents the ideal crown type. Allergic symptoms caused by metals
Certain metals can give rise to allergic symptoms such as headaches, arrhythmia, gastrointestinal disorders, constant tiredness, sleep disturbances or inflammatory responses of the mucus membranes. Allergy patients
Patients with allergic reactions to certain materials such as metallic substances. Alloys
Alloys are mixtures consisting of two or more components, at least one of which must be a metal. Aluminum oxide
Oxygen compound of the chemical element aluminum. Due to its excellent biocompatibility it is widely used in dentistry. Amalgam
Alloy of mercury (40 % silver min., 32 % tin max., 30 % copper max., 5 % indium max., 3 % mercury max. and 2 % zinc max.). Mercury amalgam is widely used in dentistry as a tooth filling material. However, since its introduction its use is a highly controversial topic. Up to now, real damages caused by amalgam could however not be proven. Amalgam sanitation
Removal of amalgam fillings and replacement by composite fillings or ceramic inlays.

B

Bleaching
Bleaching is a method to brighten human teeth for cosmetic and esthetical reasons. Bridge
A bridge replaces missing teeth in the dentition. Two teeth act as a pillar and support the bridge.

C

CAD/CAM
CAD/CAM systems (CAD = computer aided design, CAM = computer aided manufacturing) are used in addition to the manual techniques of producing dental restorations. The computer produces a virtual copy of the tooth stump and then mills the final restoration from a blank (metal, ceramic or acrylic) with the aid of the data. Caries
Acute or chronic decay of the hard tooth substance (tooth decay). Caries (tooth decay) is caused by a chemical process which can be avoided if adequate oral hygiene is ensured. Cast crown
Crown that completely consists of metal (usually gold) and that is not veneered in tooth shade. Cementum
Part of the tooth that covers the dentine in the root area. It is part of the periodontic apparatus and consists of minerals, collagen fibers, cementocyts and water. The basic substance of the cementum is therefore similar to that of the fiber bone. Ceramics
In dentistry mostly non-metallic, inorganic materials that – due to their advantages such as tissue friendliness, natural appearance, high biocompatibility, shade stability, hardness, chemical resistance – serve as the basis for artificial teeth, tooth-colored dentures, fillings and implants. Cervical defect
Carious defect at the neck of the tooth. Clasp denture
Removable, esthetically less sophisticated denture which is fixed at the remaining dentition by means of clasps acting as retaining and supporting elements. Composite
Filling materials for the treatment by the dentist composed of an organic plastic matrix mixed with inorganic filler particles. Composite is mainly applied in the area of the anterior teeth (“white filling”). Today, composite is also used in the area of the posterior teeth, mostly with promising results. Crown
Complete covering of a tooth for a severely damaged tooth with a substance which is still worth to be preserved.

D

Dental laboratory
Workshop in which dental technicians manufacture individual dental restorations such as crowns, bridges, dentures or fillings using manual techniques. Dental pulp
see pulp Dental restorations
Prosthetical measure for the replacement of lost tooth substance. A distinction is made between removable dental restorations (partial dentures and full dentures) and fixed dental restorations (veneer, filling, partial crown, crown, bridge, implant). Fixed dental restorations are cemented. Dental technology
In Germany, according to the Crafts and Trade Code, this is a recognized profession that requires training. Generally the training lasts for 3.5 years. Dental technicians manufacture dental restorations such as crowns, bridges, partial and full dentures, (“false teeth”), pivot teeth and orthodontic appliances (clasp brackets). Dentine
Represents a large part of the tooth. In contrast to enamel, a lifelong neoformation through the process of biomineralization is possible. Denture-supporting area
Areas of oral mucosa with underlying jaw bones that transmit the chewing forces striking on the prosthesis. The quality of the denture-supporting area is decisive for the good functionality of the denture. Diastema

In humans, the space between the inner incisors. 

E

Enamel
Outer layer of the tooth. Covers the dentin in the tooth crown area. The hardest tissue in the human body. Endodontics
The branch of dentistry mainly concerned with the treatment of diseases of the dental pulp, dentin or root tissue.

F

Faced crown
Small metal cap that is covered by a tooth-colored veneering material (ceramics, acrylics) either in the visible area or completely thus providing the crown a natural appearance. Feldspar ceramics
Dental ceramics with natural feldspar as base material. Filling
If a tooth is only partially damaged, e.g. by caries, normally a filling will be sufficient to restore the tooth and to retain a high proportion of natural tooth substance. Filling material
According to the indication, the following common methods are used today: amalgam fillings, adhesive acrylic fillings (composite fillings), gold inlays as well as ceramic and acrylic inlays Fissure sealing
Sealing of the then caries-free fissures which takes place shortly after the tooth eruption. Runny resin or composite materials are used to prevent the population by the oral flora. Fixed dentures
All types of dentures that are finally fixed or cemented in the mouth. Framework try-in
Try-in of a crown, bridge or partial denture framework in order to check the fit in the mouth. Frenulum labii/frenulum buccae
These are organs in the mouth that should especially taken into account in partial and total prosthetics. As they are flexible, they can affect the fit of the prosthesis and should therefore be spared when manufacturing the denture. Full denture
Full dentures with artificial teeth for the replacement of all 28 teeth of the upper and lower jaw which are held in a plastic. A suction effect ensures the hold of the denture to the jaw.

G

Gingival sulcus (periodontal pocket)
Space between root and gingiva surrounding the tooth like a trench and measuring 1 to 2 mms. Gingivitis
Acute or chronic inflammation of the gums (gingiva) and usually associated with plaque. It can as well be aggravated by other factors such as adverse mechanical stress on teeth.

I

Implants
Implants are artificial tooth roots made of titanium; increasingly, implants are made of ceramics. Impression
Procedure in dentistry. By taking an impression a negative mold of the jaws is manufactured; subsequent filling with e.g. plaster results in a positive mold of the modeled area, thus in a duplicate of the mold. This duplicate is called “model”. Inflammation of the gums
see gingivitis Inlay
An inlay is an inlay filling, usually made from gold or ceramics. Inlay fillings
see inlay Interdental brush
Appliance for cleaning the interdentium. Interim prosthesis
Temporary prosthesis designed to fill the gap in the period until the final denture is incorporated, e.g. to help heal fresh extraction wounds.

J

Joint prosthesis
The joint technique is used if e.g. prostheses have to be fastened to crowned teeth. Individual joints provide perfect hold and ensure increased control when inserting the denture.

M

Maryland bridge
Term used for a bridge which is glued to slightly milled anteriors. In certain cases, Maryland bridges can also be used as an alternative to the single tooth implant. Metals
In dentistry a distinction is made between non-precious alloys (amalgam, titanium, cobalt), alloys with a low precious metal content and high gold content alloys. Gold, palladium, platinum and silver are regarded as precious metals. Model
Positive mold of the upper and lower jaw mainly made from plaster. Usually an impression of the jaw situation is taken by means of a suitable material: subsequently the impression is filled with plaster (cf. impression). Model cast prosthesis
Cost-saving, but esthetically unsatisfactory removable partial prosthesis that consists of a cast metal framework and one or several acrylic saddles attached to it. These denture saddles are equipped with artificial teeth in order to restore the chewing capability. Usually the model cast prosthesis is attached to the remaining dentition through clasps serving as retaining and supporting elements.

O

Occlusion
Any contact between the upper and lower teeth. Onlay
An onlay is a filling that additionally replaces dental cusps. OPG
Dental X-ray method. Orthopantomogram (OPG) is a synonym for panoramic radiograph in Germany. Today it is the standard method of dental radiography allowing a diagnostically sound X-ray exposure comprising the entire upper and lower jaw of a human. Overlay
In contrast to an onlay, this is a support or cupola filling that comprises the occlusal surface. The cusps are not covered but capped, i.e. they are equipped with an exterior grinding.

P

Palatinal
Referring to the palate Partial crown
Form of a crown made of metal, acrylics or ceramics that only partially covers the tooth (cf. onlay, overlay) Periodontitis
Inflammation caused by bacteria that results in a largely irreversible destruction of the tooth-supporting tissue (paradentium). In contrast to gingivitis, a reduction of the bone can be verified through X-ray exposures. Pivot tooth
Dental restoration that is integrated into the tooth root as a compensation for substance lost during a root treatment. Designed to stabilize the tooth and give the crown enough retention by building a stump shape. Plaque
Deposit on the teeth, especially at hardly accessible areas. It consists of saliva, metabolites of bacteria, food residues and bacteria. Plaque is the prerequisite for the development of caries and periodontitis. Porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns and bridges
Conventional crowns consist of a metal coping, which is veneered with ceramic for cosmetic reasons. After a while the gingiva may recede and the dark metal margin becomes visible. Metals may lead to incompatibility reactions (such as irritations, inflammations, etc.). Preparation
Grinding and preparing the tooth to incorporate dental restorations such as inlays, crowns or bridges. Very important and responsible work which is carried out by the dentist. Primary teeth
The first milk teeth erupt at the age of 6 months but rather in the lower than the upper jaw. The primary dentition consists of 20 teeth. In contrast to the permanent dentition the small premolars and the wisdom teeth are not yet established. Professional tooth cleaning
Professional tooth cleaning describes a thorough mechanical cleaning of the teeth that clearly exceeds the daily oral hygiene and is a main component of dental prophylaxis. It is an important part of any dental precautionary measures Prosthesis
Appliance for the replacement of teeth (full denture, partial denture). Pulp
The pulp of the teeth fills the cavity in crown and root or the roots of the tooth. It consists of connective tissue, blood vessels, nerves and lymphatic vessels.

R

Removable dentures
All types of dentures that are not finally fixed or cemented in the mouth and can be removed, e.g. for cleaning purposes. Restoration
Synonym for denture that restores lost functions. Root canal
Cavity within the tooth root that supplies the tooth, contains nerves and is filled with pulp tissue.

S

Shade determination
Precise selection and adaptation of the restoration to the characteristic shade of the natural teeth. Structure of teeth
The natural tooth consists mainly of dentine. The pulp, or nerve of the tooth is situated in its interior. Enamel is considered to be the hardest substance in the human body and forms the visible, outer protective layer of the tooth.

T

Telescopic crown
Type of double crown whose primary crown cemented in the mouth is equipped with parallel surfaces. Through friction force, the primary crown fastens the secondary crown – and thus the prosthesis attached to it –, in the mouth and in situ (cf. joint prosthesis). Telescopic restoration
Claspless, removable denture that is fixed in the mouth using telescopic crowns. Temporary denture
Temporary restoration of prepared teeth or tooth gaps as well as transitional prosthesis for the undisturbed healing of fresh extraction wounds before the final restoration is incorporated. Tooth crown
Upper part of a tooth that protrudes from the gingiva. It is covered by tooth enamel, the hardest substance found in the human body. Tooth enamel
see enamel Types of dental restorations
A distinction is made between removable dental restorations (partial dentures and full dentures) and fixed dental restorations (veneer, filling, partial crown, crown, bridge, implant). Fixed dental restorations are cemented.

V

Veneer
Thin ceramic or acrylic facing bonded to the front tooth surface to perform cosmetic corrections.

W

Wisdom tooth
The third molars. They develop only late and with most people erupt only in adulthood or not at all. As a rule, a human has four wisdom teeth, however, more or less than four teeth may exist.

Z

Zirconium oxide
High-performance ceramics with outstanding properties in terms of tissue compatibility, stability, esthetics and long-term suitability. Above all it serves for the fabrication of tooth-colored, utterly stable framework materials for highly esthetic dentistry. A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z