Glossary

A list of dental or denture related terms used in this guide.

A

Adhesive – A type of glue that is used to fix a denture in place. Commonly used on loose dentures but also used by new denture wearers to provide extra security and reassurance.

B

Bite – See occlusion: contact between the upper and lower jaws which enables biting, chewing and speaking.

Bridge – One or more false teeth which are attached to a metal framework: a bridge is worn as a replacement for missing teeth.

C

Copy dentures – A pair of dentures that are worn over an existing pair: they are fitted over a worn or loose fitting pair of dentures in order to provide a secure fit.

D

Dentures – A set of false teeth: this is worn as a replacement for missing teeth. It consists of a plate and false teeth which is worn in the top/lower part of the mouth and is held in place by natural suction. Two types of denture: partial denture and full denture

E

Erosion – Wearing away or down of something, e.g. tooth enamel

Extraction – The removal of a tooth

F

Fixative – Another term for denture adhesive.

Fixed partial denture – Designed to replace the gaps caused by a few missing teeth: this denture is cemented or fixed in place by means of metal clasps that are attached to the adjacent teeth. This denture is not removed for cleaning etc.

G

Gums – The pinkish soft tissue which surrounds the teeth.

H

None at present.

I

Implant – A slim metal rod made of titanium (similar to a tooth root) which is inserted into the jaw bone. A replacement tooth or restoration is then attached to the implant by means of a small screw called an abutment.

J

None at present.

K

None at present.

L

None at present.

M

Malocclusion – The dental term for a misaligned bite: the jaws do not make proper contact which interferes with biting and chewing. Also known as ‘bad bite’.

N

None at present.

O

Occlusion – A dental term used to describe the opening and closing of the upper and lower jaws. A meeting of both upper and lower jaws when the mouth is closed.

Oral – Anything to do with the mouth.

Osseointegration – A term used to describe the fusion of a dental implant with the jawbone. This usually takes several months.

P

Partial denture – This type of denture is designed for a person who has lost a few teeth and is an alternative to a full extraction. It consists of an acrylic plate and false teeth which fit into the missing gaps in the mouth. It is retained in place by small clips which fit around the teeth.

Q

None at present.

R

Rebasing – A procedure in which the acrylic plate of a denture is replaced with a new version. This is carried out if the plate is showing signs of wear and tear, e.g. cracks.

Relining – This procedure involves resurfacing of a denture plate with acrylic resin to achieve a better fit.

Removable partial denture – Similar to a fixed partial denture except that this denture can be removed from the mouth.

S

Stomatitis – Re: denture stomatitis: a mouth infection which is characterised by swollen gum tissue and bad breath. A type of oral thrush caused by a yeast infection.

T

Teeth – Small, white, calcium based structures within the mouth. They are located in the upper and lower jaws and are used for speaking, chewing and biting.

Temporary removable denture – A type of denture which is worn for a short period of time only.

U

None at present.

V

None at present.

W

None at present.

X

None at present.

Y

None at present.

Z

None at present.