PREFACE

The dental professional owes a great deal to the science of dental materials for its

development. We've assured that the descriptions are precise and well supported

with illustrations. The preclinical students can use the book as a hand guide manual

for their preclinical session. It is of paramount interest for the dental professional to

be well versed with the science of materials. This book represents a comprehensive

overview of the composition, uses, mixing time, setting time and working time for

various materials. This book in a simplistic manner helps the preclinical students to

know about the dental materials in an easy way. In this edition, January 2024 we

have brought the combination of specific important points for specific dental

materials. We are confident that the students will be benefited in understanding the

basic concepts of prosthodontics.

 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

A work of this magnitude is always a collaborative effort and many individuals

have played a pivotal role in this book coming to fruition. This book reflects the
effort and immense support by our CRRI’s and prosthodontics team of staffs. This
subject could be made interesting especially to the novice students of dentistry. A
sincere thanks to the Department of Prosthodontics, Karpaga Vinayaga Institute of
Dental Sciences for their professional inputs to work on this seminal text. A
sincere thanks to CRRI’S, Dr. Gayathri. K. v, Dr. Haritha. D,
Dr. Hussaini Banu. S, Dr. Jeyapriyamvadha. P, Dr. Kannimozhi. S.A,
Dr. Karthiga. B, Dr. Keerthana. S, Dr. Keerthana. G for their endeavors. A
sincere gratitude to our college for giving us this opportunity to brief our
knowledge for welfare of students through this textbook.
 CONTRIBUTORS

Faculties of Department of Prosthodontics,

Karpaga Vinayaga Institute of Dental Sciences

Dr. R. Kamalakannan, MDS, F.ICOI

Professor and HOD
Dr. C. Nagappan, MDS
Professor
Dr. Gokul. S, MDS
Reader
Dr. Arun. J, MDS
Reader and Vice principal
Dr. J. Raghunathan, MDS
Reader
Dr. N. C. Arun Prasad, MDS
Reader
Dr. Sameera. Y, MDS
Reader
Dr. L. Shashanka, MDS
Senior Lecturer
Dr. Kabilan P, MDS
Senior Lecturer
Dr. M. Krishnaveni, MDS
Senior Lecturer
 CONTENTS

Preface

Acknowledgement

Contributors

Introduction

Spotters

Glossary of Prosthodontic Terms - 9

 INTRODUCTION

Prosthodontics is the branch of dentistry focused on making dental prostheses. A prosthodontist

specializes in making dentures, crowns, bridges and other custom-made oral appliances. It is a
broad speciality and has four branches.
 Fixed Prosthodontics.
 Removable Prosthodontics.
 Maxillofacial Prosthodontics.
 Implant Prosthodontics.
Fixed Prosthodontics
The branch of Prosthodontics that deals with restoration of teeth using crowns, bridges, onlays,
inlays and veneers. All of the above-mentioned restorations are made in the dental laboratory on
an impression of the mouth made by the Prosthodontist.
Removable Prosthodontics
It is concerned with prosthesis which replace the soft tissues and teeth and are more commonly
referred to as dentures.
Maxillofacial Prosthodontics
It is concerned with the rehabilitation of patients with congenital or acquired defects in the
mouth or face. Congenital defects usually relate to cleft lip and palate. Acquired defects usually
are due to cancer of the mouth or face and due to neurological defects such as stroke.
Implant Prosthodontics
A dental implant is an artificial device usually made of titanium or titanium alloys. It is a
substitute for the root of a tooth and is generally shaped as a screw or cylinder. A successful
implant provides a stable and rigid structure for retention or support of a bridge, denture or a
maxillofacial prosthesis.
Thus, numerous dental materials are used to perform the above-mentioned procedures in
distinct branches.
Why Spotters?
 They provide us a basic introduction about the materials used in dentistry.
 It would help the preclinical students to gain knowledge about the preliminary steps
before doing clinical practice.
This book comprises of about Dental materials that are used widely as spotters for the preclinical
prosthodontics exams.
 SPOTTERS

1. DENTAL PLASTER
 Type II gypsum product. [Philips]
 It is a beta form of calcium sulfate hemihydrate (CaO4• 1/2H2O).
 It has two types
- Impression plaster used to record primary impression in cd arches.
- Model(laboratory) plaster used for mounting cast [john, angus]
 Gypsum is a naturally occurring, white
powdery mineral with the chemical name,
calcium sulphate
dihydrate (CaSO4·2H2O).
 Plaster powder is mixed with water to
produce a workable mix. Hydration of the
hemihydrate then occurs producing the
gypsum model or die.
 Setting reaction:
(CaSO4)2. H2O+3H2O→ 2CaSO4.2H2O+unreacted (CaSO4. H2O+Heat)
Calcium sulphate hemihydrate calcium sulphate dihydrate
 Water: Powder 0.4:0.50 [Philips]
 Mixing time: 60 seconds.
 Working time: 3 minutes
 Setting time:12 ± 4 minutes [Philips]
 Indication: To make the primary cast, articulation, base of a cast
2. DENTAL STONE
 Type III gypsum product [Philips]
 Composition: alpha hemihydrate +2 to3% colouring agent +K2SO4
(accelerator) + borax (retarder)
 Water : Powder ratio is 0.28:0.30.
 Mixing time: 60 seconds done in circular
motion.
 Working time: 3 minutes
 Setting time: 12±4 mins [Philips]
 Dental stones may be produced by one of two
methods. If gypsum heated to about 125ºc under high steam pressure in an
autoclave a more regular and less porous hemihydrate is formed. [john, angus]
 Uses: make excellent casts or dies, readily reproduce the fine detail of a
dental impression. [craigs]]

3. DIE STONE
 It is a type IV-high strength dental stone [Philips]
 It is also known as densite or modified
alpha hemihydrate.
 Water : Powder ratio is 0.22:0.24
 Working time: 3 minutes
 Mixing time: 60 seconds done in circular motion
 Setting time: 5 to 20 minutes [anusavice]
 Uses: To make master cast
4. IMPRESSION COMPOUND
 It is a reversible, rigid, thermoplastic material. [Philips]
 Two types of impression compounds are available.
- Type I (low fusing) - used as primary impression material in an
edentulous mouth
- Type II (high fusing) - tray compound [john, angus]
 Supplied in either sheet, cake or stick form.
 Composition:
- Resin, carnauba wax -plasticizers
(thermoplastic properties) Shellac,
stearic acid, gutta percha – plasticizer
- Talc - filler (to strengthen the material)
Colouring agent
 It starts to soften at 39 degree and on
continuing heating above 43.5 degree Celsius, the material softens and flow
to a plastic mass that can be manipulated [john, angus].

5. ALIGNATE
 It is an irreversible hydrocolloid. [Philips]
 Composition:
- Chief active ingredient agent is sodium, potassium, triethanolamine
- Potassium titanium fluoride act as accelerator.
  Water: Powder ratio is 1:1
 Mixing time: 45 to 60 seconds
 Working time: 2 mins
 Setting time:[anusavice]
- fast setting alginate: 1.5 to
2 minutes
- normal setting alginate: 3 to 4.5
minutes
 Setting reaction:
sodium alginate+CaSO4+H2O→Ca alginate+Na2SO4 [Philips]
powder gel
 It is a fast setting material that captures the details of the oral tissues
accurately.
 It is used to make impression of the gums and other oral structures for the
fabrication of dental restorations like crowns, bridges and dentures. [craigs]

6. ZINC OXIDE EUGENOL IMPRESSION PASTE:

 It is an inelastic impression material. [craigs]
 Types:
- Hard
- Soft
  Composition
BASE ACCELERATOR
Zinc oxide Oil of cloves or eugenol
Fixed vegetable orGum or polymerized rosin
mineral oil Filler (silica type)

Lanolin

Resinous balsam

Accelerator solution
(CaCl2) and color

 Mixing time: 1 minute 30 seconds [Philips]

 Working time: 2 mins from end of the mix [anusavice]
 Setting time:
- Hard:10 mins
- Soft:15 mins
 Setting reaction:
Zn (OH)2 + 2HE → ZnE2 + 2H2O [Philips]
zinc hydroxide eugenol zinc eugenolate
 Uses: To make secondary impression for edentulous patients and used as
bite registration. [applied DM]
7. LOW FUSING COMPOUND
 Type I impression compound [Philips]
 It is a rigid thermoplastic impression material.
 Supplied in the form of sticks
 Used in border moulding for secondary impression.
(anusavice)
 Periphery of the tray is then coated in softened
‘green stick’ tracing compound and the tray replaced
in the mouth. The cheeks are then manipulated by
the dentist to simulate functional movement [applied
DM]
 Green stick compound is also used to provide localized mucocompression at
the distal extent of the palatal coverage for an upper denture [applied DM]

8. CONDENSATION SILICONE:
 It is an elastomeric impression material. [Philips]
 Composition
Base: α-ω – hydroxyl –
terminated polydimethylsiloxane.
Catalyst: stannous octoate
[Philips]
 Mixing time: 45 seconds
 Working time: 2.5 minutes [anusavice]
 Setting time: 8.9 minutes
  Setting Reaction
α-ω – hydroxyl – terminated polydimethylsiloxane + tetra ethyl ortho silicate
→ silicone + ethanol molecules.
 Uses: make an accurate impression of teeth and oral tissues. [craigs]

9. ADDITION SILICONE:
 It is an elastomeric impression material. [Philips]
 It is often called as polyvinyl siloxane or vinyl polysiloxane
 Composition
Base: polymethyl hydro siloxane, divinylpolysiloxane
Catalyst: platinum salt
 Mixing time:45 seconds
 Setting time: 5.9 minutes
 Working time: 1.8 minutes [anusavice]
 Setting reaction:
divinylpolysiloxane + polymethyl hydro
siloxane+ divinylpolysiloxane platinum salts→
silicone. [Philips]
 Uses: make an accurate impression of teeth and oral tissues. [craigs]
10. PINK POLYMETHYLMETHACRYLATE RESIN (COLD CURE):
 It is acrylic dental resins. [Philips]
 It is also known as Self cure, chemical cure, cold cure
 Composition:
Liquid Powder
Methyl methacrylate Polymethylmethacrylate
Hydroquinone Benzoyl peroxide
Ethylene glycol Fibers and colorants
Tertiary amine
 Physical Stages:
o Wet sand stage
o Sticky stage
o Dough or gel
o Rubbery stage
o Stiff stage
 Powder : Liquid ratio is 3:1
 Working time: 5 mins
 Setting reaction:
Powder(polymer)+liquid(monomer) →polymer + heat [Philips]
peroxide initiator amine accelerator reaction
 Uses: It is widely used for fabrication of temporary denture base
11. TRANSPARENT POLYMETHYLMETHACRYLATE RESINS:
 It is acrylic dental resins. [Philips]
 It is also known as self cure, chemical cure, cold cure
 Composition:
Liquid Powder
Methyl methacrylate Polymethylmethacrylate
Hydroquinone Benzoyl peroxide
Ethylene glycol Fibers
Tertiary amine
 Physical Stages:
o Wet and stage
o Sticky stage
o Dough or gel
o Rubbery stage
o Stiff stage
 Powder : Liquid ratio is 3:1
 Working time: 5 mins
 Setting reaction:
Powder(polymer)+liquid(monomer) →polymer + heat [Philips]
peroxide initiator amine accelerator reaction
 Uses: It is widely used for fabrication of temporary denture base
12. TOOTH MOULDING ACRYLIC POWDER:
 It is a type of acrylic resin. [Philips]
 Composition:
Acrylic powder and pigments
 Uses: fabricate provisional restorations, such as
temporary crowns, bridges and dentures. [applied DM]
 It is easy to use and have high strength. [craigs]

13. PINK POLYMETHYLMETHACRYLATE RESIN (HEAT CURE):

 It is acrylic dental resin. [Philips]
 Composition
Powder Liquid

Polymethacrylate Methylmethacrylate
Ethyl/butylmethacrylate Dibutyl phthalate
Benzoyl peroxide Glycol dimethacrylate
Dibutyl phthalate Hydroquinone
Compounds of mercuric
sulfide
 Powder : Liquid ratio is 3:1
 Working time: 5 mins
 Setting reaction:
Powder(polymer)+liquid(monomer) →polymer + heat [Philips]
peroxide initiator amine accelerator reaction
 Uses: To make permanent denture base
14. SHELLAC BASEPLATE:
 It is a thermoplastic material. [Philips]
 It is commercially available in separate shape for maxilla and mandible.
[craigs]
 Composition (anusavice)
- Resin-90.9%
- Wax-4%
- Glutin-2.8%
- Moisture-1.8%
- Coloring agent -0.5%
 Uses: preparation of special tray
and temporary denture base

15. INLAY WAX:

 It is a type of pattern wax. [Philips]
 A specialized dental wax that can be applied to dies to form direct or indirect
patterns for the lost wax technique. [anusavice]
 Types:
Soft - indirect technique
Hard - direct technique
 Composition: Paraffin, microcrystalline wax,
ceresin, carnauba, candelilla, bees wax. [Philips]
 Uses: casting of metals either crowns or bridges.
16. BEADING AND BOXING WAX:
 It is type of processing wax. [Philips]
 Beading wax supplied in the form of
strips.
 Boxing wax – A wax sheet used as a border of
an impression to provide an enclosed
boundary for the base of the cast to be
formed. [craigs]
 Composition: paraffin, bees wax, soft waxes.
 Uses: To build up vertical walls around
impression, to pour stone and make cast.
[anusavice]

17. CARDING WAX:

 It is a type of processing wax. [Philips]
 They are available as sheets.
 Composition: paraffin, bees wax, carnauba wax.
(applied dental materials)
 They are soft, tacky and pliable at room
temperatures [Philips]
 Uses: attaching denture teeth to display sheets
[john], accessory aid in construction of a variety of restorations & appliances
either in the clinic or in the laboratory [Philips]
18. BASEPLATE WAX:
 Also called as pattern wax. [Philips]
 Supplied in sheet form produced either by role, sheet or block.
 The thickness of wax sheet should be 1-2mm
to control the thickness of the denture base.
[john]
 Primary components are paraffin & bees
wax. [applied dental materials]
 Uses: to fabricate occlusal rims, spacer

19. STICKY WAX:

 It is a processing type of wax. [Philips]
 It is hard, fast setting wax
 Composition: yellow bees wax, rosin and
natural resin such as gums. [applied dental
materials]
 Uses: To temporarily stabilize the
components of a bridge before soldering
[Philips]
 It helps to attach pieces of a broken denture
prior to repair work.

20. SPRUE WAX:

 It is a pattern type of wax [Philips]
 Available in varying levels of hardness to minimal ash content and
provides clean burn out [Philips]
 Available in solid, coloured, round, square or rectangle in shapes (Philips)
  Composition: paraffin, bees wax, carnauba wax
[applied dental materials]
 Uses: casting procedure of preparing crowns and
bridges and in lost wax technique of casting
procedures [Philips]

21. ALU WAX:

 Type of an impression wax. [Philips]
 Composition: paraffin, bees wax, carnauba wax
[applied dental materials]
 It is sticky enough to easily adapt at the edges of
alginate impression by hand pressure. [john]
 Uses: bite registration material, provide the heat
retention properties needed for efficient modelling.

22. NICKEL-CHROMIUM ALLOY:

 It is a base metal alloy. [Philips]
 It is also known as Ticonium. [Philips]
 Composition:
Nickel- 61-81%
Chromium- 11-27%
Molybdenum- 2-9%
Minor additioners: Beryllium, Aluminium,
Iron, Silicone, Copper, Manganese, Cobalt
and Tin
 Melting Temperature: 1275○c. [craigs]
  Uses: for partial denture framework, for casting of crown and bridges
23. GYPSUM BONDED INVESTMENT
 It is an alpha- hemihydrate form of gypsum. [Philips]
 Composition:
[Philips] Silica- 60
to65%
Alpha- hemihydrate- 30 to 35%
Chemical modifiers- 5%
 Gypsum investment should not be heated above
700°c [Philips]
 It is used for casting gold alloys.

24. PHOSPATE BONDED INVESTMENT:

 It is most commonly used investment. [Philips]
 Composition:
Powder:
- Ammonium diacid phosphate
- Silica
- Magnesium oxide
- Carbon
Liquid:
- Colloidal silica
 Powder : Liquid – 160gm:40ml
 Temperature: 1040°c
 It is used for casting metal ceramic and cobalt chromium alloy. [john]
25. CRUCIBLE FORMER
 It is a split ring or flexible rubber ring that permits the setting expansion of the
investment. [Philips]
 Commonly the walls of the ring are lined
with ring liner. [john]
 To ensure uniform expansion, the liner is cut
to fit the inside diameter of the casting ring
with no overlap. [anusavice]
 The casting ring liner provides a pliable
lining to inner surface of rigid metal
casting ring [angus]
 Casting ring/ crucible former produces
controlled expansion. [angus]

26. EMERY
 This abrasive is a greyish black corundum
prepared in a fine grain form. [Philips]
 Composition:
Corundum (oxide of aluminium)
Iron oxide
alumina
 It is of various sizes ranges from 40 to 320
 It is a dry finishing material. [craigs]
 Uses: finishing metal alloys or acrylic resin material. [applied dental materials]
27. SANDPAPER:
 It is an abrasive mixture of small mineral
particles predominantly composed of
silica. [Philips]
 It is measured in the form of grit and
available in colours. [Philips]
 Sand particles have rounded to angular
shape. [Philips]
 It is of various sizes ranges from 400 to
1500
 It is a wet finishing material. [craigs]
 Uses: For Polishing process to provide luster or gloss on a material surface.
[applied dental materials]

28. ROUGE:
 It is a natural abrasive. [Philips]
 Composition: Iron oxide
 Uses: to polish high noble metal alloys such as yellow
gold alloys. [Phillips]

29. PUMICE
 It is a natural abrasive. [Philips]
 It consists of about 60-70% of silica
 It is used in polishing tooth enamel, direct filling gold,
dental amalgam and acrylic resins. [Philips]
30. ACRYLIC TRIMMER
 It is made of micro grained aluminium oxide grits. [craigs]
 Used for reduction of bulk of denture base
 Available as
color -white, black, pink;
shape - tapered flat end (tf), flame
Size - large, small [Philips]
 Works by 2 body abrasions. [angus]

31. METAL CROWN CUTTING BUR

 It is made up of tungsten carbide. [craigs]
 It removes materials through a cutting action of the
hard blades. [john]
 It ranges from 8- to 12-fluted carbide burs. [angus]
 It is used to cut metal crowns.

32. DIAMOND POINTS

 It is made up of stainless-steel body bonded with
diamond powder. [applied dental materials]
 Diamonds are attached to the blank by electroplating a layer of metal on the
blank.
 Sharp diamond particles are arranged randomly and
hence leaves rough surface on it.
 Used for bulk reduction of tooth during FPD
procedure.
 It has abrading action. [john]
33. POLISHING BUFF
 It is a nonabrasive material. [craigs]
 It is available in leather, rubber and synthetic foam.
 These materials are porous in texture, which allows
fine abrasive particles to be retained during the buffing
procedure. [Philips]

34. CERAMIC POWDER

 Ceramics are nonmetallic and inorganic structures.
[Philips]
 Composition: glass, silica, kaolin, alumina [craigs]
 Uses: fabrication of metal ceramic crowns
 They are hard, brittle and exhibit good strength
under compression

35. DENTAL FLOSS

 It is a cord of thin filament. [Philips]
 Composition: polytetrafluoroethylene,
microcrystalline wax, nylon.
 Types:
Waxed and Unwaxed
Flavored and Unflavored
floss Thread and Tape
 Uses: To remove excess cements during veneer
preparation, for interdental cleaning of teeth. [john.
Angus]
36. DENTIFRICES
 Dentifrices are tooth cleaning substances which are available as toothpastes,
gels, and powders. [Philips]
 Composition [applied dental materials]

Components Uses
Abrasive: calcium removes plaque or stain
carbonate, dibasic
calcium phosphate
dihydrate, hydrated
alumina, hydrated silica,
sodium bicarbonate,
Detergent: sodium lauryl aids in debris removal
sulfate
Colorants: food are used for appearance
colorants
Fluoride: sodium prevents dental caries
monofluorophosphate,
sodium fluoride,
stannous fluoride
Flavoring: oils of provides flavor
spearmint, peppermint,
wintergreen, or
cinnamon
Humectant: sorbitol, maintains moisture
glycerine content
 They polish teeth to provide increased light reflectance and superior esthetic
appearance
 Their abrasive and detergent actions provide more efficient removal of
debris, plaque, and stained pellicle. [craigs]

37. STAINLESS STEEL WIRE/18-8

 It is also known as austentic stainless steel.
[john, angus]
 Composition:
- Chromium:18%
- Nickel:8%
 Uses: construction of wrought clasps and
rests on partial dentures
 It has greater ductility. [applied dental
materials]

38. SOLDER
 Solder is a fusible metal alloy used to create a permanent bond between metal
workpieces. [Philips]
 Type:
Soft: lead-tin alloy
Hard: gold solders, silver solders
[shellinberg]
 The most common instrument for the
application of heat in soldering is a gas-air or
gas-oxygen torch. Another source of heating
is a furnace. [Philips]
  The solder chosen must wet the metal at as low a contact angle as possible
to ensure wetting of the joint area. To prevent flow of molten solder onto
adjacent areas, an antiflux is required.
 Fusion temperature: [shellinberg]
Gold solder- 690 to 870○C
Silver solder- 620 to 700○C

39. GRAPHITE
 It is an antiflux
 Antiflux is a material used to outline the area to be
soldered in order to restrict the flow of solder.
 It used as soft pencil. [shellinberg]

40. ALL METAL CROWN

 It is made up of Co-Cr or Ni-Cr
 Indication: For bruxism patients [craigs]
 It is usually given for posterior teeth
 Occlusal reduction should be such that there is 1.5
mm clearance at the functional cusps and 1 mm
clearance at the non-functional cusps. [Philips]

41. METAL CERAMIC FPD

 It is also known as porcelain fused to metal
restoration. [craigs]
 It has a thin metal coping with a ceramic layer.
 They require more tooth reduction of 1.5 to 2mm
for functional cusp and 1 mm for non-functional
cusp. [Philips]
42. ACRYLIC TEMPORARY RPD:
 The substitute teeth and associated structures in partially edentulous arches
are made from acrylic resin and can be removed
and replaced at will. [Philips]
 Types:
Type I - temporary removable partial
denture
Type II - interim removable partial
denture
Type III - transitional denture
Type IV - immediate RPD
 Materials used are:
Type I: heat cure
Type II: auto polymerized polymer
Type III: thermoplastic polymer
Type IV: light cure
 Uses: to replace partially edentulous missing teeth

43. COMPLETE DENTURE:

 It is a replacement of all teeth and their associated structures in the oral
cavity. [john, angus]
 Parts of CD:Artificial teeth
Denture base
Denture flange - Labial flange,
Lingual flange
  Surfaces of CD: Tissue surface
Polished surface
Occlusal surface
 Steps in complete denture fabrication:
[Philips]
I- Primary impression
II- Secondary impression
III- Jaw relation
IV- Wax try in
V - Denture insertion
 Functions of cd are mastication, aesthetics, phonetics.

44. ACRYLIC TEETH (SEMI ANATOMIC TEETH)

 They are made from acrylic resin. [anusavice]
 Used for RPD and CD in anterior
and posterior teeth arrangement.
[craigs]
 Bonds chemically with denture base
 Posterior teeth cuspal inclination
20֯ to 30֯

45. ACRYLIC POSTERIOR NON-ANATOMIC TEETH

 It has a cuspal inclination of o degree and has monoplane
occlusion. [ Philips]
 They do not lock the denture together in one position of tooth contact.
 It occludes only in two dimensions but the mandible has 3d movement due
to its condylar behavior. [applied dental materials]
  Uses: for posterior teeth
arrangement and in resorbed
ridges.
 Indications: patients with class II
and class III jaw relation and
crossbite

46. ZIRCONIA PROSTHESIS

 Zirconia prosthesis are metal free
restorations, highly biocompatible. [applied
dental materials]
 Computer-aided design and manufacturing
processes provide patients with a precise fit,
thus reducing the chair time required to
adjust and cement these restorations.
 Zirconia are typically cost more than other types of dental crowns, such as
ceramic, metal, and porcelain. [Philips]

47. ARTICULATING PAPER

 Articulating paper is used for assessing and
determining the occlusal contacts between the
upper and lower teeth. [applied dental
materials]
 It comes in varying thickness, like 90
microns, 40 microns, 20 microns, and 12
microns.
 It comes in colours, like red, blue, and green for differentiating the marks on
surfaces, like gold, enamel, and ceramic surfaces. [applied dental materials]
48. SEPERATING MEDIUM
 Separating medium is a medium which prevents
direct contact between the denture base resin and
the model or cast surface. [Philips]
 It is a soluble solution of sodium alginate.
 It produces thin relatively insoluble calcium
alginate films when applied to dental stone or
plaster surface. [applied dental materials]
 It is applied with the brush in a unidirectional
stroke on the model or cast surface.

49. ARTICULATOR
 A mechanical device that represents the temporomandibular joints (TMJ)
and the jaw members to which the maxillary and mandibular casts may be
attached to simulate some or all mandibular
movements. [Philips]
 Also known as three-point articulator,
mean value articulator
 Parts of a mean value articulator:
- Upper member
- Lower member
- Incisal guide table
- Vertical incisal rod
- Central pin
- Condylar guide
 Uses: mounting the dental casts in a fixed relationship and to arrange
artificial teeth [applied dental materials]
50. SHADE GUIDE
 It is comprised of a set of standards or individually fabricated colour
standards, which mimic the colour of dental
structures. [john, angus]
 They are used to visually determine a colour
match with natural teeth.
 Most used shade guide is VITA shade guide.
 The colour space in Vita Classical is divided
into four groups – A, B, C and D based on
the dominating HUE.
 GLOSSARY OF PROSTHODONTIC TERMS - 9

acrylic resin \a-krĭl΄ĭk rĕz΄ĭn\: 1. pertaining to polymers of acrylic

acid, methacrylic acid, or acrylonitrile; 2. any of a group of thermoplastic resins
made by polymerizing esters of acrylic or methyl methacrylate acids
acrylic resin base \a-krĭl΄ĭk rĕz΄ĭn bas\: a denture base made of acrylic resin
acrylic resin veneer: usually referring to a crown or fixed partial denture or
removable partial denture; the veneering or lamination of the facial surfaces of a
crown or dental prosthesis by using acrylic resin; the intention of such veneering is
to provide a natural tooth appearance to the viewable portions of the restoration
adhesive \ad-he΄siv, -ziv\ adj (1670): sticky or tenacious
adhesive resin: any resin material with incorporated adhesive chemicals such as
10- methacryloyloxydecyl dihidrogen phosphate(MDP), an organophosphate, or 4-
methacryloxyethyl trimellitate anhydride (4-META) and related carboxyl-modified
acrylic resins; in dentistry, to describe adhesive agents used for the luting of fixed
dental prostheses and veneering resin to metal alloy
agar \a΄gar΄, ä΄gar΄\ n (1889): a complex sulfated polymer of galactose units,
extracted from Gelidium cartilagineum, Gracilaria confervoides, and related red
algae; it is a mucilaginous substancethat melts at approximately 100 C and
solidifies into a gel at approximately 40 C; it is not digested by most bacteria and is
used as a gelation agent in dental impression materials and a solid culture media
for microorganisms
anterior \an-tîr΄e-or\ adj (1541): 1. situated in front of or the front part; 2. the
forward or ventral position; 3. a term used to denote the incisor or canine teeth or
the forward region of the mouth. anterior \an-tîr΄e-or\ adj (1541): 1. situated in
front of or the front part; 2. the forward or ventral position; 3. a term used to denote
the incisor or canine teeth or the forward region of the mouth.
arcon \ar΄kon\ n: contr, ARTICULATOR and CONDYLE; used to describe an
articulator containing the condylar path elements within its upper member and the
condylar elements within the lower member; comp, NONARCON
arcon articulator \ar’kon är-tĭk΄ya-la΄tor\: an articulator that appliesthe arcon
design; this instrument maintains anatomic guidelines by the use of condylar
analogs in the mandibular element and fossae assemblies within the maxillary
element articular disc: a ring of fibrocartilage that separates the articular surfaces
of a joint. Relative to the temporomandibular joint, the articular disc is a fibrous
connective tissue disc located between the articulating surfaces of the mandibular
condyle and temporal bone; comp, TEMPOROMANDIBULAR JOINT
ARTICULAR DISC
articulate \är-tĭk΄ya-lat΄\ vb (1691): 1. to join together as a joint; 2. the relating of
contacting surfaces of the teeth or their artificial replicas in the maxillae to those in
the mandible
articulate \är-tĭk΄ya-lat΄ (1586): in speech, to enunciate clearly or be clearly spoken;
-lĭt\ adj articulating paper \är-tĭk΄ya-lat΄ing pa΄per\: ink-coated paper strips used to
locate and mark occlusal contacts
articulation \är-tĭk΄ya-la΄shun\ n (15c): 1. the place of union or junction between
two or more bones of the skeleton; comp, CRANIOMANDIBULAR
ARTICULATION, TEMPOROMANDIBULAR ARTICULATION; 2. in speech,
the enunciation of words and sentences; syn,SPEECH ARTICULATION; 3. in
dentistry, the static and dynamic contact relationship between the occlusal surfaces
of the teeth during function; comp, ANTERIOR PROTECTED
ARTICULATION,BALANCED ARTICULATION, DENTAL ARTICULATION,
FUNCTIONAL ARTICULATION, MONOPLANE ARTICULATION,
MUTUALLY PROTECTED ARTICULATION
auto polymerizing resin \ô΄to-pŏl-a-mĕr-ı΄zing rĕz΄ĭn\: a resin formed when
polymerization occurs as a result of a chemical sactivator
Balanced occlusion: syn, BALANCED ARTICULATION
baseplate \bas΄plat\n: a rigid, relatively thin layer of wax, shellac, or thermoplastic
(heat-, chemically-, or light-activated) polymer adapted over edentulous surfaces of
a definitive cast to form a base which, together with an attached occlusion rim
made of wax or similar material, serves as the record base; syn, RECORD BASE
baseplate wax \bas΄plat w aks\: a hard wax used for making occlusion rims,
waxing dentures, and other dental procedures
Border molding \bôr΄der mol΄ding\: 1. the shaping of impression material along
the border areas of an impression tray by functionalor manual manipulation of the
soft tissue adjacent to the borders to duplicate the contour and size of the vestibule;
2. determining the extension of a prosthesis by using tissue function or manual
manipulation of the tissues to shape the border areas of an impression material
boxing wax \bŏk΄sing w aks\: wax used for boxing an impression buccal \buk΄al\
adj (ca. 1771): pertaining to or adjacent to the cheek
buccal flange \buk΄al flanj\: the portion of the flange of a denture that occupies the
buccal vestibule of the mouth
buccal vestibule \buk΄al vĕs΄ti-by o ol\: the portion of the oral cavity that is
bounded on one side by the teeth, gingiva, and alveolar ridge(in the edentulous
mouth, the residual ridge) and on the lateral side by the cheek posterior to the
buccal frenula
casting \kas΄tĭng\ n (14c): something that has been cast in a mold;an object formed
by the solidification of a fluid that has been castinto a refractory mold
casting \k as΄tĭng\ vt: the action of pouring or injecting a flowablematerial into a
refractory mold; comp, VACUUM CASTING
casting flask \k as΄tĭng flask\: syn, CASTING RING casting ring \k as΄tĭng rĭng\: a
metal or silicone tube in which arefractory mold is made for casting dental
restorations
casting wax \k as΄tĭng w aks\: a composition containing various waxes with
desired properties for making wax patterns to be formed into metal castings.
condylar articulator \kŏn΄da-lar är-tĭk΄ya-la-tôr\: an articulator with the condylar
path components as part of the upper member and whose condylar replica
components are part of the lower member;syn, ARCON ARTICULATOR; comp,
NONARCON ARTICULATOR
crucible \kr sa-bal\ n (15c): a vessel or container made of any refractory material
(frequently ceramics) used for melting or calcining any substance that requires a
high degree of heat crucible former \kr΄sa-bal fôr΄mer\: the base to which a sprue
former is attached while the wax pattern is being invested in refractory investment;
a convex rubber, plastic, or metal base that forms a concave depression or crucible
in the refractory investment
dental \dĕn΄tl\ adj (1594): of or pertaining to the teeth
dental arch \dĕn΄tl arch\: the composite structure of the natural teeth and alveolar
bone dental articulation \dĕn΄tl är-tĭk΄ya-la΄shun\: the contact relationships of
maxillary and mandibular teeth as they move against each other
dental impression \dĕn΄tl ĭm-prĕsh΄en\: a negative imprint or a positive digital
image display of intraoral anatomy; used to cast or print a 3D replica of the
anatomic structure that is to be used as a permanent record or in the production of a
dental restoration or prosthesis; syn IMPRESSION dental impression wax \dĕn΄tl
ĭm- prĕsh΄en waks\: any thermoplastic wax used to make impressions for dental
use
dental plaster \dĕn΄tl plaster\: the beta-form of calcium sulfate hemihydrate; a
fibrous aggregate of fine crystals with capillary pores that are irregular in shape
and porous in character dental prosthesis \dĕn΄tl prŏs-the΄sis\: an artificial
replacement(prosthesis) of one or more teeth (up to the entire dentition in either
arch) and associated dental/alveolar structures; dental prosthesesusually are
subcategorized as either fixed dental prostheses
dental prosthetic laboratory procedures \dĕn΄tl prŏs-thĕt΄iklab΄ra-tôr΄e pra-
se΄jerz\: the steps in the fabrication of a dental prosthesis without the presence of
the patient for their completion
dental senescence \dĕn΄tl sĭ-nĕs΄enz\: that condition of the teeth and associated
structures in which there is deterioration as a result of aging or premature aging
processes
dental shade selection: syn, TOOTH COLOR SELECTION
dental stone \dĕn΄tlston\: the alpha-form of calcium sulfatehemihydrate with
physical properties superior to the beta-form(dental plaster); the alpha-form, a-
calcium sulfate hemihydrate, is created when the dihydrate of gypsum is heated
under steam pressure resulting in the formation of dense rods or prisms, and is,
therefore, more dense than the b-calcium sulfate hemihydrate(dental plaster); syn,
GYPSUM
dentate \dĕn΄tat΄\adj (1760): having teeth or pointed conical, anatomic projections
of multi-layered, hard tissues; syn, DENTULOUS
dentin \dĕn΄tĭn\ n (1840): a calcareous material similar to but harder and denser
than bone that comprises the principle mass of the tooth;
dentinal \dĕn-te΄nal\ adj; also spelled dentine \dĕn΄ten\
dentin porcelain obs: syn, BODY PORCELAIN; comp, GINGIVAL
PORCELAIN, INCISAL PORCELAIN, SHOULDER PORCELAIN dentition \dĕn-
tĭsh΄on\ n (1615): the teeth in the dental arch
denture adhesive \dĕn΄chur ad-he΄sĭv\: a material used to adhere a denture to the
oral mucosa
denture basal surface: syn, INTAGLIO; comp, DENTURE BASE
denture base \dĕn΄chur bas\: the part of a denture that rests on the foundation
tissues and to which teeth are attached; comp, CHARACTERIZED DENTURE
BASE, DEFINITIVE DENTURE BASE, TINTED
DENTURE BASE
denture base material \dĕn΄chur bas ma-tîr΄e-al\: any substance of which a
denture base may be made
denture curing \dĕn΄chur kyoor΄ing\ nonstand: syn, DENTURE PROCESSING;
comp, POLYMERIZATION denture flask: a metal or fiberglass vessel to support
the gypsum mold used in the polymerization of a denture; comp, CASTING
FLASK, COPE, CROWN FLASK, DRAG
edentulate \e-dĕn΄cha-lat\ vb: to remove all teeth
edentulism \e-dĕn΄cha-lĭz-um\ (1998): the state of being edentulous; without
natural teeth
edentulous \e-dĕn΄cha-lus\ adj (1782): without teeth,
lacking teeth
fixed partial denture \fĭkst pär΄shal dĕn΄chur\: 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 be
removed by the patient
fixed prosthodontics \fĭkst prŏs΄tha-dŏn΄tĭks\: the branch of prosthodontics
concerned with the replacement and/or restoration of teeth by artificial substitutes
that cannot be removed from the mouth by the patient
floss threader: a flexible, polymer needle-like device for threading dental floss
under a fixed partial denture or between splintedrestorations
gypsum \jĭp΄sum\ n (14c): the natural hydrated form of calcium sulfate, CaSO 4.
2H2 O; gypsum dihydrate; comp, DENTAL STONE
gypsum-bonded investment: any casting investment with gypsum as a binder,
also containing cristobalite or quartz as a refractory material; cristobalite and
quartz are responsible for the thermal expansion of the mold during wax
elimination; because gypsum is not chemically stable at temperatures exceeding
650oC(1200oF) these investments are typically restricted to castings of
conventional Type II, III, and IV gold alloys
hydrocolloid \hı΄dra-kŏl΄oid\ n (1916): a colloid system in which water is the
dispersion medium; those materials described as a colloid sol with water that are
used in dentistry as elastic impression materials; comp, IRREVERSIBLE
HYDROCOLLOID, REVERSIBLE HYDROCOLLOID
instrument \ĭn΄stra-ment\ n: a tool or implement, especially one used for delicate
work or for artistic or scientific purposes; syn, DEVICE
intaglio \ĭn-tal΄yo, -täl΄-\ n (1644): 1. an incised or engraved figure in stone or any
hard material depressed below the surface of the material such that an impression
from the design would yield an image in relief; 2. something carved in intaglio, -
ios
\-yos\ pl intaglio surface \ĭn-tal΄yo,täl sûr΄fas\: the portion of the denture or other
restoration surface that has its contour determined by the impression; the interior or
reversal surface of an object
invest \ĭn-vĕst΄\ vb: to surround, envelop, or embed in an investment material;
comp, VACUUM INVESTING
investing \ĭn-vĕs΄tĭng\ n: the process of covering or enveloping,bwholly or in part,
an object such as a denture, tooth, wax form, crown, etc., with a suitable
investment material before processing, soldering, or casting
investment n: comp, DENTAL CASTING INVESTMENT, REFRACTORY
INVESTMENT
investment cast \ĭn-vĕst΄ment kast\: a cast made of a material that will withstand
high temperature without disintegration; syn, REFRACTORY CAST
jaw \jô\ n (14c): the structure bearing the teeth; syn, MANDIBLE, MAXILLAE
labial \la΄be-al\ adj (1594): 1. of or pertaining to the lip; 2. Toward the lip; comp,
BUCCAL, FACIAL
maxillofacial prosthetics \mak΄sa-la-fa΄shul prŏs-thĕt΄iks\: the branch of
prosthodontics concerned with the restoration and/or replacement of
stomatognathic and craniofacial structures with prostheses that may or may not be
removed on a regular or elective basis
modeling wax \mŏd΄lĭng waks\: a wax suitable for making patterns in the
fabrication of restorations
neutral zone \noo΄tral, nyoo΄- zon\: the potential space between the lips and
cheeks on one side and the tongue on the other; that area or position where the
forces between the tongue and cheeks or lips are equal
nonanatomic teeth \nŏn-a-no΄tŏm-ĭk teth\: artificial teeth with occlusal surfaces
that are not anatomically formed; the term nonanatomic as applied to artificial
posterior teeth, and especially their occlusal forms, means that such teeth are
designed in accordance with mechanical principles rather than from the viewpoint
of anatomic replication.
occlusal \a-kloo΄zal, -sal\ adj (1897): pertaining to the masticatory surfaces of the
posterior teeth, prostheses, or occlusion rims
partial denture \pär΄shal dĕn΄chur\: a removable partial denture or a fixed partial
denture that restores a partially edentulous arch; a partial denture can be described
as a removable partial denture or a fixed partial denture based on the patient’s
capability to remove or not remove the prosthesis, respectively; adjectives
(modifiers) may be added to the clinical description of the partial denture, if
needed, to designate the means of mechanical retention, such as, a screw retained
fixed partial denture; any such prosthesis luted to dental implants (in the same
manner as luting a fixed partial denture to natural teeth) needs no additional
designation as to its means of retention; comp, BILATERAL
DISTAL-EXTENSION REMOVABLE PARTIAL DENTURE, FIXED PARTIAL
DENTURE, NESBIT, REMOVABLE PARTIAL DENTURE, PROSTHESIS
primary impression nonstand: syn, PRELIMINARY IMPRESSION
prosthesis \prŏs-the΄sĭs\ n (1900) [figure 1]: an artificial replacement
of part of the human anatomy restoring form, function, and esthetics; eses \-sĕz΄\
pl; comp, DEFINITIVE PROSTHESIS, DENTAL PROSTHESIS, INTERIM
PROSTHESIS, MAXILLOFACIAL PROSTHESIS, PROVISIONAL
PROSTHESIS, SURGICAL PROSTHESIS
prosthodontics \prŏs΄tha-dŏn΄tĭks\ n, pl but sing or pl in constr (1947):
prosthodontics is the dental specialty pertaining to the diagnosis, treatment
planning, rehabilitation, and maintenance of the oral function, comfort,
appearance, and health of patients with clinical conditions associated with missing
or deficient teeth and/or maxillofacial tissues by using biocompatible substitutes;
comp, FIXED PROSTHODONTICS, IMPLANT PROSTHODONTICS,
MAXILLOFACIAL PROSTHETICS, REMOVABLE PROSTHODONTICS
prosthodontist \prŏs΄tha-dŏn-tĭst\ n (1917): 1. a specialist in prosthodontics; 2. a
dentist who has successfully completed an advanced education program in
prosthodontics that is accredited by the appropriate accrediting body; in the United
States, that authoritative body is the Commission on Dental Accreditation of the
American Dental Association; comp, BOARD-CERTIFIED PROSTHODONTIST,
BOARD-ELIGIBLE PROSTHODONTIST, EDUCATIONALLYQUALIFIED
PROSTHODONTIST
prosthesis \prŏs-the΄sĭs\ n (1900) [figure 1]: an artificial replacement of part of the
human anatomy restoring form, function, and esthetics; eses \-sĕz΄\ pl; comp,
DEFINITIVE PROSTHESIS, DENTAL PROSTHESIS, INTERIM PROSTHESIS,
MAXILLOFACIAL PROSTHESIS, PROVISIONAL PROSTHESIS, SURGICAL
PROSTHESIS
pumice \pum΄ĭs\ n (15c): 1. a type of volcanic glass used as an abrasive. It is
prepared in various grits and used for finishing and polishing; 2. a polishing
agent, in powdered form, used for natural teeth and fixed and removable
restorations removable partial denture \rĭ-moo΄va-bal par΄shal dĕn΄chur\:
aremovable denture that replaces some teeth in a partially edentulous arch; the
removable partial
denture can be readily inserted and removed from the mouth by the patient
spatula \spach΄a-la\ n (1525): a flat-bladed instrument used formixing or spreading
materials
tissue conditioning: a procedure in prosthodontics usually performed by relining a
removable complete denture, removable partial denture, or a maxillofacial
prosthesis with a resilient resin and a short duration of time for the patient’s soft
tissue to heal
trial denture \trı΄al dĕn΄chur\: a preliminary arrangement of artificial teeth that has
been prepared for placement into the patient’s mouth to evaluate esthetics,
phonetics, and maxillomandibular relationships; comp, DEFINITIVE DENTURE
BASE veneer \va-nîr΄\ n (1702): 1. a thin sheet of material usually used as a finish;
2. a protective or ornamental facing; 3. a superficial or attractive display in
multiple layers, frequently termed a laminate veneer
wax pattern \waks pat΄urn\: a wax form that is the positive likeness
of an object to be fabricated wax trial denture: syn, TRIAL DENTURE; comp,
DIAGNOSTIC DENTURE WAX-UP
wax try-in: the placement of a wax trial denture or diagnostic waxing in the mouth
for the purpose of evaluating aesthetics and phonetics; syn, TOOTH
ARRANGEMENT, TRIAL DENTURE, TRIAL PLACEMENT
waxing \waks΄ĭng\ vb: the contouring of a wax pattern or the wax base of a trial
denture into the desired form (GPT-1); comp, DIAGNOSTIC DENTURE WAX
UP, DIAGNOSTIC WAXING, TOOTH ARRANGEMENT, TRIAL DENTURE
zinc oxide eugenol cement: a cement or luting agent resulting from mixing zinc
oxide with eugenol (oil of cloves), typically dispensed in the form of a powder and
liquid or sometimes two pastes. ANSI/ADA Type I or Type II zinc oxide and
eugenol cements are respectively designated for provisional or permanent
cementation of restorations fabricated outside of the mouth; syn, EBA CEMENT
zirconia: abbr, ZrO2; an oxide of zirconium; a phase of monoclinic (room
temperature), tetragonal (above 1170 C), and cubic (above
2370 C); this transformation between phases is often stabilized with addition of a
small amount of yttria; cold-pressed (CP) zirconia requires sintering after milling
and is not as dimensionally stable as hot isostatically pressed (HIP) zirconia, which
doesn’t need sintering and is more dimensionally stable; comp, DOPANT, PHASE
TRANSFORMATION TOUGHENING