Difficult words explained simply
From impressions to prior authorisation
Many technical words are used in dentistry and dental prosthetics. Search for a term below or choose a letter. Click on a word for a brief explanation in plain language.
All terms are shown.
No concept found. Try another word or contact us; we are happy to explain.
A Terms beginning with A
A zone
The soft area at the back of the upper jaw where the posterior edge of a complete upper denture terminates. A good position of this edge helps with support.
Abutment
A connecting part placed on an implant. For example, a crown, stud attachment or other part can be attached to it.
Acetal
A strong thermoplastic that can be digitally designed and precisely milled. At Van Hoften Tandprothetiek we use this material to manufacture the entire base of a partial denture as one whole.
Acetal denture
A partial, removable denture in which the entire acetal base, including the parts that provide retention, is milled from one piece. So we do not make small loose acetal parts or only loose acetal clasps. This device is a metal-free intermediate solution between a plastic plate prosthesis and a traditional metal frame.
Aftercare
The checks and any minor adjustments after installation or treatment. Aftercare helps with pressure points, habituation, fit, cleaning and checking the mouth and implants.
Alginate
A common impression material that is mixed with water. It first feels like a soft paste and becomes firm after a short time.
Alveolar ridge
The rounded shape of jawbone with mucous membrane on which an ordinary complete denture rests. The shape and height differ per person and change over time.
Anticoagulation
Medicines that reduce the risk of blood clots. Always report which anticoagulation you are taking before any treatment that may cause bleeding. Never stop or change these medications on your own initiative.
Authorization
Approval from a health insurer before a particular treatment is performed. An authorization does not automatically mean that you do not pay anything yourself; patient contribution, deductible and policy conditions may continue to apply.
B Terms beginning with B
Bar attachment
A rod that connects implants together. Clips in the implant-retained removable denture grip the bar and thus provide support.
Belgian health insurance fund
The organization to which someone in Belgium is affiliated for compulsory health insurance. Regulations, certificates, conditions and additional benefits for reimbursement may differ per situation.
Bisphosphonates
Medicines that inhibit bone resorption, for example in case of osteoporosis or certain other conditions. Tell your practitioner that you are using or have used these, especially before pulling or implanting. Never stop without consulting your doctor.
Bite registration
We record how the upper and lower jaw are positioned in relation to each other and what height is comfortable and functional. This is important for chewing, speaking and appearance.
Border moulding
An impression-taking step that carefully records the borders around the jaw during movement. This helps determine the appropriate length and shape of the denture borders.
Bruxism
Unconscious grinding or forceful clenching of teeth or jaws, often during sleep. This can put extra strain on muscles, jaw joints, teeth and dentures.
C Terms beginning with C
CAD/CAM
A digital method in which a denture or part is designed with software and then milled or 3D printed.
Candida
A yeast that can occur naturally in the mouth. If disturbed, Candida can cause a fungal infection, for example red or burning mucous membrane under a prosthesis. Have persistent complaints assessed.
CBCT scan
A three-dimensional X-ray scan of, among other things, jawbone, teeth and surrounding structures. This scan may be necessary in the preparation of implantological treatment. It is different from a regular intra-oral mouth scan.
Chlorhexidine
An antiseptic active ingredient in some mouthwashes and gels. The drug is usually used temporarily and on advice. Longer or incorrect use can cause discoloration and change in taste.
Cleansing tablet
A tablet that dissolves in water and can be used as a supplement for cleaning a prosthesis. It does not replace brushing and not every product is suitable for every denture material.
Clinical dental technician (KPT)
A dental technician with additional clinical training who can perform patient-related work under responsibility and in accordance with agreements with a dentist or denturist.
Complete denture
A removable prosthesis that replaces all teeth and molars of the upper jaw, lower jaw or both jaws.
Cost estimate
A preliminary overview of the planned treatment, codes and expected costs. The final reimbursement depends on your policy, permission and any patient contribution or deductible.
D Terms beginning with D
Deductible
The amount that an insured person aged 18 or older first pays for a lot of care from the Dutch basic insurance. The deductible may apply in addition to a patient contribution.
Denosumab
A medicine that inhibits bone resorption, used for osteoporosis and certain other conditions. Always report its use before tooth extraction or implant placement, and only change treatment in consultation with the prescribing doctor.
Dental hygienist
An oral health care professional who focuses on prevention and the health of gums, teeth and implants, including instruction and professional cleaning.
Dental plaque
A soft, sticky layer of bacteria that forms on teeth, implant components, and dentures. Daily cleaning helps prevent inflammation, odor and other oral problems.
Dental technician
A professional who manufactures, adjusts and repairs dental workpieces such as dentures, crowns and bridges as prescribed or in collaboration with a practitioner.
Dentist
A university-trained dental care provider who investigates oral problems, diagnoses and carries out or coordinates treatments.
Denture brush
A brush with a shape and firmness intended for cleaning a removable denture on the inside and outside. Use a suitable cleaning agent and follow personal cleaning advice.
Dentures
A removable replacement for missing teeth and molars. Dentures can be complete or partial and can sometimes click onto implants.
Denturist (Dutch tandprotheticus)
A college-educated, legally recognized practitioner who independently provides complete dentures and associated patient care. For partial dentures and implant care, the denturist works together with a dentist, implantologist or dental surgeon where necessary.
Digital denture
A prosthesis that is designed and manufactured completely or partially digitally. Which steps can be done digitally depends on your oral situation and treatment plan.
Dry mouth
The feeling that the mouth is too dry, often due to too little or changed saliva. This can make speaking, swallowing, eating and wearing a prosthesis difficult and requires assessment if complaints persist.
E Terms beginning with E
Extraction
The removal of a tooth or molar. If a prosthesis is placed immediately afterwards, we often call it an immediate prosthesis or immediate denture.
F Terms beginning with F
Fitting phase
A check moment before the final finishing. In a test setup we look at position, bite, appearance and speech, among other things; not every treatment process has exactly the same fitting moments.
Fluoride mouthwash
A rinse with fluoride that can help protect teeth and molars extra against cavities. It is not necessary for everyone and does not replace brushing with fluoride toothpaste; preferably use on the advice of a dental care provider.
Fracture
A fracture in the prosthesis, an artificial tooth or a part. Wear a damaged denture as little as possible and have it professionally assessed.
Fungal infection in the mouth
An overgrowth of yeasts that can cause redness, burning, cracks or white spots. A denture, dry mouth, medication and continuous wearing can play a role; have the cause assessed.
H Terms beginning with H
Healthcare authorization
See authorization: prior permission from the health insurer for certain care. Always check exactly what the permission includes and what you may pay yourself.
I Terms beginning with I
Immediate denture
See immediate denture: a prosthesis that is placed immediately after extraction and that must be frequently checked or adjusted during the healing phase.
Immediate prosthesis
A prosthesis that is placed immediately after tooth extraction. It protects the wounds, but the fit changes during healing because the jaw and mucous membrane quickly change shape.
Implant
An artificial root that is placed in the jawbone. Implants can, for example, support implant-retained removable dentures, crowns or bridges.
Implant-retained removable dentures
A removable prosthesis that clicks onto implants for additional support, usually via stud attachments or a bar. You take out the dentures to clean them and the implants.
Implantologist
A dentist who has specialized in examinationing, planning and placing implants. In some situations a dental surgeon is involved.
Impression
The shape of your jaw, mucous membrane and any teeth are recorded using a impression tray and impression material. In this way, a suitable working model can be created.
Intra-oral scan
A small camera takes many images of the visible surfaces in the mouth and forms a 3D model of them. This is not an x-ray and therefore does not show what is in the bone or under the gums.
J Terms beginning with J
Jaw locking
After tooth loss, the jawbone gradually becomes lower and narrower. This can change the fit of a prosthesis.
L Terms beginning with L
Laboratory scan
A scanner in the dental laboratory that digitally records, for example, a model, impression or existing prosthesis. That file can be used for design and production.
Lining
The material on the inside of the prosthesis that lies against the jaw and mucous membrane. A new hard or soft liner can improve the fit or comfort.
Locator
A common type of stud attachment on an implant. The prosthesis contains a fitting insert that clicks over it and provides support.
M Terms beginning with M
Matrix
The part in a implant-retained removable denture that clicks over a stud attachment on the implant. The insert may wear out and be replaced as necessary to restore grip.
Medication overview
A current list of all medications you are taking, including strength and dosage. In case of important changes or medical treatment, preferably take a recent overview from your pharmacy with you.
Mesostructure
The connecting structure between implants and the prosthesis. This can, for example, consist of locators/stud attachments or a bar.
Metal-framework denture
A removable partial denture with a metal base on which pink plastic and artificial teeth are attached. The frame usually rests partly on the remaining teeth.
Mouthwash
A liquid for rinsing the mouth. The effect depends on the active substance. It does not replace cleaning teeth, implants, tongue or dentures and is not always necessary.
Mucositis around an implant
An inflammation of the mucous membrane surrounding an implant, without demonstrable loss of supporting bone. Timely professional inspection and proper cleaning are important.
O Terms beginning with O
Occlusion
The way in which teeth, molars or artificial teeth of the upper and lower jaw make contact with each other.
Osseointegration
The biological process in which the jawbone fits closely to the implant, so that it can be loaded stably.
Osteonecrosis of the jaw
A rare condition in which the jaw bone does not heal sufficiently and can become exposed. Some medications and treatments can affect the risk. Report your complete medication history before any procedure.
Overdenture
A prosthesis that falls over retained roots or implants. On implants this is usually called implant-retained removable dentures.
P Terms beginning with P
Partial denture
A removable device that replaces one or more missing teeth while retaining the original teeth. This can be a plate prosthesis or frame prosthesis.
Partial denture
A removable device that replaces some missing teeth or molars. This can be a plastic plate prosthesis or a metal frame prosthesis.
Patient contribution
The statutory or policy-related part of certain healthcare costs that you pay yourself. This is separate from the deductible and may apply in addition.
Read the detailed explanation about reimbursement in the Netherlands
Peri-implantitis
An inflammation around an implant that also causes the loss of supporting bone. Signs can be bleeding, pus, pain or a changed fit, but complaints can also be limited. Regular checks help detect problems early.
Plate prosthesis
A removable partial denture made of gum-colored plastic with artificial teeth. It rests mainly on the oral mucosa and can sometimes be helped with brackets.
POM
The technical name and abbreviation for acetal. It is a strong thermoplastic. In our practice, the entire acetal base of the partial denture is milled from one piece of POM; it is not about a few separate parts.
Pressure spot
A painful or red spot because part of the prosthesis applies too much pressure. Have this checked and do not adjust the prosthesis yourself.
Prosthesis
An artificial replacement of a body part. On this website we usually mean dentures that replace missing teeth and molars.
R Terms beginning with R
Reimbursement
The part of the healthcare costs that a Dutch health insurer or Belgian health insurance company pays in accordance with the applicable conditions. Reimbursement may depend on indication, policy, contract, prescription or prior permission.
Relining
Applying new material to the inside of a prosthesis so that it fits better with the changed jaw.
Relining
New material is applied to the inside of a prosthesis to improve the fit and pressure distribution.
Repair
The professional repair of, for example, a fracture, crack or loose artificial tooth. Gluing it yourself can damage the fit and material and makes a good repair more difficult.
Retention
The degree to which a prosthesis remains in place and resists loosening. Retention depends, among other things, on jaw shape, fit, saliva, muscles and possible implant anchorage.
S Terms beginning with S
Saliva
Fluid from the salivary glands that aids in speaking, tasting, chewing and swallowing and protects oral tissue and teeth. The amount and composition can also influence the comfort and hold of a denture.
Saliva substitute
A gel, spray or liquid that temporarily moistens the mouth when there is insufficient saliva. It relieves complaints, but does not eliminate the cause of dry mouth.
Scan body
A temporary measuring device placed on an implant during a digital scan. The software can therefore determine the exact position and orientation of the implant.
Smoking
The use of tobacco. Smoking can adversely affect oral tissue and wound healing and increases the risk of problems around teeth and implants. It can also accelerate discoloration of a denture.
Softliner
A soft material on the inside of a prosthesis to protect the mucous membrane. It can be applied temporarily or for a longer period of time; maintenance and replacement require extra attention.
Stomatitis under a prosthesis
Red or irritated mucous membrane under a prosthesis. Possible factors include inadequate cleaning, continuous wearing, fit, or a fungal infection; have the cause assessed.
Stud attachment
A small attachment part on an implant over which the matrix in the implant-retained removable denture clicks. The plastic inserts in the prosthesis can wear out over time and need to be replaced.
T Terms beginning with T
Temporomandibular joint
The joint in front of the ear by which the lower jaw moves. Pain, stiffness, popping or cracking may be related to a muscle, joint, overload or bite; have persistent or limiting complaints assessed.
Tissue conditioner
A temporary soft layer on the inside of a prosthesis to provide rest to vulnerable or recovering mucous membranes and to bridge changes in the jaw.
TMD
A collective name for complaints of the jaw joint and the chewing muscles, such as pain, fatigue, limited mouth opening, popping or cracking.
V Terms beginning with V
Vaping
Inhaling vapor from an e-cigarette. The vapor is not harmless; nicotine and other substances can affect the mouth and recovery. If you vape, tell us before a procedure.
W Terms beginning with W
Wound healing
The natural recovery of tissue after, for example, pulling or implantation. Health, oral hygiene, smoking, medication and stress can influence the course. Therefore, follow the personal aftercare instructions.
X Terms beginning with X
Xerostomia
The medical term for the experience of mouth dryness. That feeling can exist with or without a measurable lack of saliva and deserves attention if it persists.
The explanation has been compiled for patients in their own words and the content has been checked based on, among other things, the KNMT glossary of dental terms and the current explanation of the National government on patient contribution and deductible, Ivoren Kruis on Mouthwashes, Apotheek.nl and the patient information of Thuisarts.nl. The explanation does not replace a personal examination, treatment plan or insurance decision.