Glossary.

A special type of combined fixed-removable denture. Using telescopic crowns or bars for example, the removable part is secured to the remaining dentition, which is usually limited and generally exhibits periodontal damage. With overdentures, the pressure exerted during mastication is not borne by the remaining dentition. Instead, it is transferred via the denture base across the surface of the jaw mucosa.

In the case of posterior teeth/molars, a term that refers to positioning towards the occlusal (masticatory) surface.

Any contact between the upper and lower teeth.

An onlay is a filling that additionally replaces dental cusps.

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.

Instead of taking a conventional impression using an impression tray and impression material, the treated tooth is optically measured or scanned using a small camera. The data is transferred to a PC where it can be used for example for fabricating CAD/CAM restorations.

Belonging to the mouth; in the case of tooth surfaces: towards the interior surface, towards the mouth (see vestibular).

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.