All-on-6 is a full-arch implant treatment concept that uses six dental implants to support a fixed replacement for an entire upper or lower arch. It is commonly used when many teeth are missing or when remaining teeth have a poor long-term prognosis. The goal is to provide a stable, non-removable set of teeth that functions more like natural teeth than a conventional denture. The exact design and materials vary by clinician and case.

All-on-4 is a dental implant treatment concept used to support a full arch of teeth with four implants. It is most commonly used for people who are missing all teeth in an upper or lower jaw, or whose remaining teeth cannot be predictably saved. Two implants are typically placed toward the front of the jaw and two are placed farther back at an angle to improve support. The implants hold a fixed (non-removable) full-arch prosthesis, which can be delivered the same day in some cases.

A provisional implant crown is a temporary tooth-shaped cap attached to a dental implant during healing. It replaces the visible part of a missing tooth before the final (definitive) crown is made. It is commonly used in the esthetic zone (front teeth) and in areas where chewing function is needed. It also helps guide the shape of the gum tissue around the implant site.

immediate loading is a chairside approach where a dental restoration is placed, set (usually by light-curing), and made ready to function in the same appointment. In simple terms, it means “fix it now and use it now,” rather than waiting for a lab-made piece or a delayed setting process. It is most commonly discussed with direct tooth-colored fillings and small repairs, where the material can be finished and polished immediately. The exact meaning can vary by clinician and case, so it is important to ask what “immediate” refers to in a specific treatment plan.

implant prosthodontics is the area of dentistry focused on restoring missing teeth with prostheses supported by dental implants. It includes planning, designing, and fitting implant crowns, bridges, and implant-retained dentures. It is commonly used after tooth loss from decay, gum disease, trauma, or congenital absence. The goal is to rebuild function (chewing and speaking) and appearance using implant-supported restorations.

equilibration is a dental procedure that adjusts how the upper and lower teeth meet when you bite. It aims to make tooth contacts more even and stable across the bite. It is most commonly discussed in relation to “occlusion,” meaning bite function and tooth contact patterns. It may involve removing small amounts of tooth or restoration material, and in some cases adding material to refine contacts.

VDO increase means raising the **vertical dimension of occlusion (VDO)**, which is the distance between the upper and lower jaws when the teeth are together. It is a planned change in how “open” the bite is when the mouth closes into normal contact. It is commonly used in **full-mouth rehabilitation**, treatment of **tooth wear**, and complex restorative planning. It can be done temporarily (to test comfort and function) or as part of a long-term restorative solution.

occlusal vertical dimension increase means deliberately raising the “bite height” so the upper and lower jaws meet with a slightly greater vertical separation. It is used to create more space for dental restorations and to help manage problems related to tooth wear or altered bite relationships. Clinicians may achieve it with restorations (like composite or crowns), removable appliances (like a splint), or prostheses (like dentures). The amount and method are planned and individualized, and it varies by clinician and case.

tooth wear management is the structured way dentists assess, monitor, prevent, and treat loss of tooth structure over time. It commonly addresses wear from erosion (acid), attrition (tooth-to-tooth contact), and abrasion (mechanical rubbing). It can include education, protective appliances, and minimally invasive restorations to rebuild worn areas. It is used in general dentistry and restorative dentistry, and often involves long-term review visits.

abfraction is a type of non-carious cervical lesion, meaning tooth structure is lost near the gumline without tooth decay. It often appears as a V-shaped or wedge-like notch at the neck of a tooth. It is discussed in dentistry as being related to stress and flexing forces on teeth during biting. The term is commonly used in clinical exams and charting when evaluating cervical wear and tooth sensitivity.