centric relation is a repeatable jaw relationship used as a reference position in dentistry. It describes how the lower jaw (mandible) relates to the upper jaw (maxilla) at the jaw joints (TMJs). It is commonly used to record a “starting point” for diagnosing bite issues and planning restorations. It is also used to mount dental models and design prostheses when the bite is unstable or changing.
A jaw relation record is a clinical record of how the upper and lower jaws relate to each other when the teeth (or denture bases) meet. It helps a dental team transfer your “bite relationship” to a dental laboratory or an articulator (a mechanical jaw simulator). It is commonly used in dentures, crowns, bridges, implant restorations, and full-mouth rehabilitation planning. It may be made using waxes, elastomeric “bite registration” materials, or digital methods.
A wax rim is a shaped strip of dental wax built on a temporary denture base. It is commonly used during complete denture or partial denture planning visits. Clinicians adjust it in the mouth to help measure jaw relationships and tooth position. In simple terms, it is a customizable “practice bite” and facial support guide before final teeth are set.
An occlusion rim is a shaped rim of wax or resin built on a denture record base. It helps a dental team record how the upper and lower jaws relate to each other. It is most commonly used when making complete dentures or some implant-supported dentures. It acts as a temporary “stand-in” for teeth during key measurement and try-in steps.
A posterior palatal seal is a planned compression area at the back edge of an upper complete denture. It helps the denture “seal” against the soft tissues where the hard palate transitions to the soft palate. In plain terms, it’s a deliberately shaped zone that improves suction and stability for maxillary (upper) dentures. It is most commonly discussed in complete denture prosthodontics and denture fabrication.
A post dam is a denture feature placed at the back edge of an upper (maxillary) complete denture. It is commonly another name for the posterior palatal seal, a controlled seal against the soft tissue near the hard/soft palate junction. Its plain purpose is to help the denture “seal” against the palate to improve retention and reduce air or fluid leakage. It is planned during denture fabrication and may be refined during adjustments, relines, or repairs.
border molding is a clinical step used when making dental impressions for dentures and some removable appliances. It shapes the edges (“borders”) of an impression tray to match how the cheeks, lips, and tongue move. Its plain purpose is to capture the functional outline of the denture area so the final impression fits more accurately. It is most commonly used for complete dentures, implant overdentures, and certain removable partial dentures.
A denture border is the outer edge of a denture where it meets the gums and surrounding oral tissues. It forms the transition between the denture base and the movable tissues of the lips, cheeks, and tongue. Its shape and length help the denture feel stable while speaking, chewing, and swallowing. The denture border is discussed most often in complete dentures and removable partial dentures.
A denture base is the foundation of a removable denture that rests on the gums and supports the artificial teeth. It is the part of a denture that contacts the oral tissues and helps the prosthesis stay stable during chewing and speaking. denture base materials are commonly used in complete dentures (full dentures) and partial dentures. They are also used in repairs, relines, and temporary removable appliances, depending on the clinical need.