Glossary of Digital Dental Terms

American College of Prosthodontists

Gerald T. Grant, BA, DMD, MS, FACP,1 Stephen D. Campbell, DDS, MMSc, FACP,2 Radi M. Masri, DDS,
MS, PhD, FACP,3 Michael R. Andersen, DDS, FACP,4 & The American College of Prosthodontists Digital
Dentistry Glossary Development Task Force
1
Oral Health and Rehabilitation Department, University of Louisville School of Dentistry, Louisville, KY
2
Department of Restorative Dentistry, University of Illinois at Chicago College of Dentistry, Chicago, IL
3
Department of Endodontics, Prosthodontics and Restorative Dentistry, University of Maryland School of Dentistry, Baltimore, MD
4
U.S. Navy Naval Health Clinic, Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii

The authors deny any conflicts of interest.

Accepted July 9, 2016

doi: 10.1111/jopr.12532

This glossary has been developed by the American College of
Prosthodontists (ACP) in an effort to standardize the terminol-
ogy involved in the practice of dentistry using advanced digital
technology. It is presented as an alphabetical list of terms or
words found in or relating to digital dentistry, offering either
an explanation or definition. The glossary is also intended to
promote the application of those technologies among all dental
practitioners; as the first written guidance establishing com-
mon terminology, the terms presented herein will be found
applicable to any user of advanced digital dental technology
(ADDT), and can serve as a basis for communication among
practitioners.
Advanced digital dental technology continues to introduce
new strategies and reveal new pathways for excellence in patient
care. The intent of the ACP is to continually monitor and update
the glossary as a dynamic resource for the dental community.
It is expected that the terms will be reviewed and updated
annually.
Digital Dentistry Glossary Development Task Force
American College of Prosthodontists
# index can vary, though triangular faces with three vertices are
3D construction The 3D merged image that is a combination
of all individual elements and is suitable for additive or sub-
tractive manufacturing.
3D file formats File formats are used for creating and storing
3D data files. For example: ply, fbx, vrml, 3DMF, 3DML,
3DXML, obj, dxf, w3d, skp, fmz, s3d, m3g, vue, and STL are
all 3D file formats. File formats must be consistent to share 3D
datasets, and work within design and production platforms.
There are more than 140 3D file formats. The STL file format
is commonly used for many open platform dental scanning
and design systems. Conversion between file formats can lead
to data loss.
3D modeling Process of developing a digital representation
of any three-dimensional object surface (either inanimate or
living) via specialized software. The 3D models describe the
forms (geometry) of objects, but not their material properties
or how they move.
3D printing A general term describing additive manufacturing
processes that build three-dimensional structures by deposit-
ing layers of material on top of each other until the final
structure is achieved. 3D printing can produce objects made
of single or multiple materials without being limited by un-
dercuts or complexity.
3D rendering Computer graphics process of automatically con-
verting 3D wire frame models into 2D images with 3D pho-
torealistic effects on a computer.
3D scanner A device that analyzes a real-world object to col-
lect data on its shape and/or other attributes such as color or
texture.
3D surface scanning Surface mapping that allows for the sur-
face geometry or shape of an object to be stored as a set of
3D points or vertices. The surface of the object is then stored
as a series of polygons (or faces) that are constructed by in-
dexing these vertices. The number of vertices the face may
common.
3MF A 3D printing format that will allow design applications
to send full-fidelity 3D models to a mix of other applications,
platforms, services, and printers. The 3MF specification al-
lows companies to focus on innovation, rather than on basic
interoperability issues, and it is engineered to avoid the prob-
lems associated with other 3D file formats.
A
active triangulation A method to determine the 3D geometry
of real-world objects. In this method, the light or laser source

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is positioned at a fixed distance from a sensor or camera. As
light/laser is reflected from the scanned object, it falls on the
camera. The position of points on the object can be calculated
using the angle of the reflected light. By determining the
position of multiple points on the object, a 3D image of the
object can be reconstructed.
active wavefront sampling A 3D object imaging method, which
in its simplest form uses only a single camera and an off-axis
single rotating aperture. When the aperture is rotated around
the optical axis, points on the camera rotate on a circle. The
depth of these points is coded by the diameter of the resultant
image rotation and allows for the reconstruction of a point
cloud for the object scanned.
additive manufacturing (AM) The “process of joining materi-
als to make objects from 3D model data, usually layer upon
layer, as opposed to subtractive manufacturing methodolo-
gies, such as traditional machining,” as defined by American
Society for Testing Materials (ASTM).
additive manufacturing file (AMF) An open standard file
format for describing objects for additive manufacturing
processes such as 3D printing. The official ISO/ASTM
52915:2013 standard is an XML-based format designed to
allow any computer-aided design software to describe the
shape and composition of any 3D object to be fabricated
on any 3D printer. Unlike its predecessor STL format,
AMF has native support for color, materials, lattices, and
constellations.
algorithm An instance of logic written into software by soft-
ware developers to be effective for computer(s) to produce
output from given input. An algorithm is a procedure or for-
mula for solving a problem in a finite, logical manner. Algo-
rithms are self-contained, step-by-step sets of operations to
be performed by the software program. They are widely used
in 3D digital designing and manufacturing.
algorithmic dental occlusion (ADO) Computer algorithms
used to establish virtual occlusion and movements. The al-
gorithms encode physical motions and responses for each
tooth and its respective antagonists and neighboring teeth.
The advantage of ADO is that it allows for pursuing the goal
of optimal occlusion—as defined by clinical standards—with
the untiring effort of a computer.
American Society for Testing Materials Committee F42 The
ASTM committee responsible for the promotion of knowl-
edge, stimulation of research and implementation of technol-
ogy through the development of standards for additive man-
ufacturing technologies. They provide the classifications of
additive manufacturing devices.
analog workflow Process of performing a task using physical
means and materials, usually carried out by hand as opposed
to using digital technology.
artifact (imaging) Any feature not present in the original im-
aged object but that appears in a displayed image. An image
artifact is sometimes the result of improper operation of the
imager, and other times a consequence of natural processes
or properties of the human body. It is important to be familiar
with the appearance of artifacts because artifacts can obscure,
and be mistaken for, pathology. Artifacts may also result in
a misfitted prosthesis. Therefore, image artifacts can result in
false negatives and false positives.
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Glossary of Digital Dental Terms
B
beam hardening artifact An imaging artifact that appears as
streaks and shadows adjacent to areas of high density such as
dense bones, shoulders, dental restoration, and hips.
billet A length of metal/material that has a round or square
cross-section. It is typically used to describe material disks
used for milling.
bitmap See raster graphics image.
Boolean object In computer graphics, a Boolean is a compound
object that combines two objects, called operands. It is used in
modeling to join objects seamlessly and to cut holes. There are
three operations: union, intersection, and subtraction. Union
merges the two objects into one continuous surface. Intersec-
tion creates an object from the overlapping volumes of the
two operands. Subtraction, or difference, is the most common
operation: one operand is a tool to cut a hole in the other
operand.
C
CAD/CAM dentistry Using computer technologies to design
and produce different types of dental restorations, includ-
ing crowns, veneers, inlays and onlays, fixed prostheses,
dental implant restorations, and orthodontic appliances. See
computer-aided design and drafting and computer-aided
manufacturing.
calibration A comparison between measurements—one of
known magnitude or correctness made or set with one de-
vice and another measurement made as similar as possible
with a second device. The device with the known or assigned
correctness is called the standard. The second device is the
unit under test, test instrument, or any of several other names
for the device being calibrated. Successful calibration has to
be consistent and systematic. At the same time, the complex-
ity of some instruments requires that only key functions be
identified and calibrated. Under those conditions, a degree of
randomness is needed to find unexpected deficiencies.
charge-coupled device (CCD) A device for the movement of
electrical charge, usually from within the device to an area
where the charge can be manipulated (e.g., conversion into a
digital value). This is achieved by “shifting” the signals be-
tween stages within the device one at a time. Charge-coupled
devices are widely used for digital imaging.
closed architecture Software or hardware restricted to a specific
company’s digital equipment or digital workflow.
cloud computing The practice of using a network of remote
servers hosted online to store, manage, and process data, rather
than a local server or a personal computer.
cloud sourcing Process by which specialized cloud prod-
ucts and services and their deployment and maintenance is
outsourced to and provided by one or more cloud service
providers.
cloud storage A model of data storage in which the digital data
are stored in logical pools, and the physical storage spans
multiple servers (and often locations). The physical environ-
ment is typically owned and managed by a hosting company.
Cloud storage providers are responsible for keeping the data
available, accessible, and secure. They also ensure that the
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Glossary of Digital Dental Terms
physical environment is protected and running. People and
organizations buy or lease storage capacity from the providers
to store user, organization, and other critical data.
comparing Software feature that allows for the comparison of
one object to a standard control object and maps the various
differences between them. Frequently used to compare the
ability of an individual to exactly replicate the dimensions,
form, angles, and details of a control object. For example,
the ability of a student to accurately replicate a standard full-
crown preparation.
computer-aided design (CAD) The use of computer programs
to create two- or three-dimensional (2D or 3D) graphical rep-
resentations of physical objects. CAD software may be spe-
cialized for specific applications.
computer-aided design and drafting (CADD) The use of com-
puter technology for the process of design and design doc-
umentation. Computer-aided drafting describes the process
of drafting with a computer. CADD software provides the
user with input tools for the purpose of streamlining design
processes, drafting, documentation, and manufacturing pro-
cesses.
computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) The use of computer
software to control machine tools and related machinery in
the manufacturing of work pieces. Its primary purpose is to
create a faster production process and components and tool-
ing with more precise dimensions and material consistency.
In some cases, it uses only the required amount of raw mate-
rial (thus minimizing waste), while simultaneously reducing
energy consumption.
computer-aided technologies (CAx) A broad term where com-
puter technology is used to aid in the design, analysis, and
manufacture of products.
computer numerical control machining (CNC) Numeric set of
instructions generated from CAM software that governs the
machine movements of a milling apparatus or 3D printer in
order to fabricate an object.
computer simulation (computer model or a computational
model) A computer program, or network of computers, that
attempts to simulate an abstract model of a particular system.
cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) A medical imaging
technique consisting of X-ray computed tomography where
the X-rays are divergent, forming a cone. It allows for the
collection, storage, and utilization of 3D radiographic data
in the DICOM file format, utilizing the .dcm file extension.
Machines are often classified as large volume (20-cm height
and 15-cm diameter cylinder) and small volume/limited view
(40 × 40 mm2 or 60 × 60 mm2 ) based on the exposure area.
conoscopic holography A method to determine the 3D ge-
ometry of real-world objects. In this method, the light/laser
reflected from the object is split into separate beams using a
crystal that possess different refractive indices. After the two
beams exit the crystal, an interference pattern that depends
on the distance from the light’s source is generated. This in-
terference pattern can be used to construct a 3D image of the
object.
contact scanner Scanners that probe the subject through phys-
ical touch, while the object is in contact with or resting on a
precision flat surface plate, ground and polished to a specific
maximum surface roughness. Where the object to be scanned
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is not flat or cannot rest stably on a flat surface, it is supported
and held firmly in place by a fixture. It is used to scan objects
in 3D.
contrast resolution The ability to distinguish between differ-
ences in intensity in an image. The measure is used in medical
imaging to quantify the quality of acquired images. It is a dif-
ficult quantity to define, because it depends on the human
observer as much as the quality of the actual image.
coordinate measuring machine (CMM) A device for measur-
ing the physical geometrical characteristics of an object. This
machine may be manually controlled by an operator or it may
be computer controlled. Measurements are defined by a probe
attached to the third moving axis of this machine and can be
referred to as a contact scanner.
D
desktop optical scanner A device that uses light/laser to scan
and digitize objects (impressions, casts). This device is sta-
tionary and cannot be used for intraoral scanning.
DICOM: (Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine)
Standard for handling, storing, printing, and transmitting in-
formation in medical imaging. It includes a file format defini-
tion and a network communications protocol. DICOM enables
the integration of scanners, servers, workstations, printers, and
network hardware from multiple manufacturers into a picture
archiving and communication system (PACS).
difference mapping Computer software function that provides
the ability to compare two or more objects and their differ-
ences. For example, comparing and quantifying the changes
in intraoral tooth morphology over time as a result of wear or
erosion.
digital denture A complete denture created by or through au-
tomation using CAD, CAM, and CAE in lieu of traditional
processes. A digital denture is achieved when the final shape
of the denture is manufactured through automation to en-
sure there are no conventional errors from pouring, invest-
ment casting, or injecting the material as done in traditional
denture fabrication.
digital imaging Computer-based digital technology allowing
the dentist to create true-to-life photographs of the denti-
tion, as if the recommended procedures had already been
completed.
digital print/printing Method of printing from a digital-based
image directly to a variety of media. It usually refers to profes-
sional printing where small-run jobs from desktop publishing
and other digital sources are printed using large-format and/or
high-volume laser or inkjet printers or 3D printers.
digital sculpting The use of software that offers tools to push,
pull, smooth, grab, pinch or otherwise manipulate a digital
object as if it were made of a real-life substance such as clay.
When creating 3D models in an application this includes ma-
nipulating vertices and edges to get the desired look. While
this works, it can be hard to get the fine detail often required,
especially in organic models. Digital sculpting works around
this issue by allowing the user to create a 3D mesh in much
the same way as a traditional sculptor would. By interac-
tively pushing and pulling areas of the model out, one can
create details like texture, pits, and sharp transitions (e.g., the
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cemento-enamel junction, CEJ) without having to select an
edge or vertex.
digital workflow Any workflow that occurs primarily through
the use of converting physical or “analog” structures into a
digital format to be manipulated using CAD software. Often,
the digital process resembles the analog process in steps, but
is accomplished virtually on a computer until the design is
machine fabricated through automated milling or 3D printing
methods.
direct metal laser sintering (DMLS) An additive metal fabrica-
tion technology sometimes referred to by the terms selective
laser sintering (SLS) or selective laser melting (SLM). The
DMLS machine uses a high-powered 200 watt Yb-fiber optic
laser. Inside the build chamber area, there is a material dis-
pensing platform and a build platform along with a recoater
blade used to move new powder over the build platform.
dongle Hardware, often the size of a thumb drive, required to
run a specific software package. Generally the dongle must
be physically attached to the computer running the software.
dry processing/dry milling A manufacturing process where a
material is machined without the need for liquid for cooling
and lubrication. Dry processing is applied mainly with respect
to zirconium oxide blanks with a low degree of pre-sintering.
dual scan Digital technique where two scans, containing differ-
ent data sets, are combined together into one file. An example
of a dual scan is a CBCT scan combined with an intraoral
scan. The resultant file contains the surface data captured by
the intraoral scan and the 3D slices of the underlying hard
tissue from the CBCT scan.
E takes advantage of the sense of touch by applying forces,
edges An edge is another component of a polygon. Edges help
define the shape of the models, but they can also be used
to transform them. An edge is defined by two vertices at
their end points. Together, vertices, edges, and faces are the
components that all help to define the shape of a polygonal
object.
electron beam melting (EBM) Additive manufacturing for
metal parts. EBM is often classified as a rapid manufacturing
method. The technology manufactures parts by melting metal
powder layer by layer with an electron beam in a high vac-
uum. Unlike some metal sintering techniques, the parts are
fully dense, void-free, and extremely strong.
F information about the shape of an object with equipment that
feature locating object (FLO) A general term used to describe
a digital implant physical marker used in laboratory scan-
ning, providing for the digital capture of the implant fix-
ture/platform position. See fiducial marker.
Feldkamp back projection Standard method algorithm used
with most CBCT for constructing slice sets.
fiducial marker An object used in the field of view of an imag-
ing system which appears in the image produced, for use as
a point of reference or a measure. It may be either something
placed into or on the imaging subject, or a mark or set of
marks in the reticule (or reticle) of an optical instrument.
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Glossary of Digital Dental Terms
free and open-source software (F/OSS, FOSS) Software that
is liberally licensed to grant users the right to use, copy, study,
change, and improve its design through the availability of its
source code.
fused deposition modeling (FDM) Additive manufacturing
technology as defined by the American Society for Testing
Materials (ASTM), commonly used for modeling, prototyp-
ing, and production applications. FDM works on an “additive”
principle by laying down material in layers. A plastic filament
or metal wire is unwound from a coil and supplies material
to an extrusion nozzle, which can turn the flow on and off.
The nozzle is heated to melt the material and can be moved in
both horizontal and vertical directions by a numerically con-
trolled mechanism, directly controlled by a computer-aided
manufacturing (CAM) software package. The model or part
is produced by extruding small beads of thermoplastic mate-
rial to form layers as the material hardens immediately after
extrusion from the nozzle. Stepper motors or servo motors are
typically employed to move the extrusion head.
G
guided surgery The capability of performing virtual surgery
based on the use of medical/dental imaging files (DICOM,
STL, vrml, obj, etc.) using computer software. The results
are used to develop digitally manufactured surgical guides or
navigation directions for robotic guidance for surgery.
H
haptic technology (haptics) A tactile feedback technology that
vibrations, or motions to the user.
Hounsfield scale Named after Sir Godfrey Newbold
Hounsfield, it is a quantitative scale for describing radio-
density on CT images; however, due to the inconsistency of
contrast, it does not apply to CBCT.
Hounsfield unit scale A linear transformation of the original
linear attenuation coefficient measurement into one in which
the radiodensity of distilled water at standard pressure and
temperature (STP) is defined as zero Hounsfield units (HU),
while the radiodensity of air at STP is defined as –1000 HU.
I
image capture The process of 3D scanning to record digital
uses a laser or light to measure the distance between the
scanner and the object.
image registration The process of transforming different sets
of data into one coordinate system. Data may be multiple
photographs, data from different sensors, from different times,
or from different viewpoints. It is used in computer vision,
medical imaging, and military applications. Registration is
necessary in order to be able to compare or integrate the data
obtained from these different measurements.
image resolution Umbrella term that describes the detail an
image holds. Resolution quantifies how close lines can be to
each other and still be visibly resolved. The term applies to
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Glossary of Digital Dental Terms
raster digital images, film images, and other types of images.
Higher resolution means more image detail. Image resolution
can be measured in various ways. Resolution units can be
tied to physical sizes (e.g., lines per mm, lines per inch), to
the overall size of a picture (e.g., lines per picture height,
also known simply as lines, TV lines, or TVL), or to angular
subtenant.
image scaling The process of resizing a digital image. Scal-
ing is a non-trivial process that involves a trade-off between
efficiency, smoothness, and sharpness. As the size of an im-
age is increased, so the pixels that comprise the image be-
come increasingly visible, making the image appear “soft.”
Conversely, reducing an image will tend to enhance its
smoothness and apparent sharpness.
image scanner A device that optically scans an image, printed
text, handwriting, or an object, and converts it to a digital
image. Handheld scanners, where the device is moved by
hand, have evolved from text scanning “wands” to 3D scan-
ners used for industrial design, reverse engineering, test and
measurement, orthotics, gaming, and other applications.
image stitching The process of combining multiple photo-
graphic images with overlapping fields of view to produce
a segmented panorama or high-resolution image.
impression wand Handheld device used for intraoral digital
scanning.
instances Copies of objects that derive all of their information
from the original object. When working with a 3D set one
often needs to create duplicates of a single object. This can
greatly increase render time, because the computer has to cal-
culate all of the new geometry. Instead of creating a duplicate
of an object, one can create an instance. It is important to
recognize that one cannot edit an instance’s shape on its own.
If the shape is edited, the shape of the original object and all
of the instances update to reflect that change.
interferometry A method used to construct a 3D image of an
object scanned using optical scanners.
intraoral scanning The process of scanning and capturing the
intraoral cavity for translation into a digital file format, such
as STL.
J milling The machining process of using rotary cutters (burs) to
JPEG 2000 Image compression standard and coding system.
It was created by the Joint Photographic Experts Group com-
mittee in 2000 with the intention of superseding their original
discrete cosine transform-based JPEG standard (created in
1992) with a newly designed, wavelet-based method.
K ability of the milling process to create final detail and complex
kinematic strain-free tooth movement Virtual motion of a tooth
among its antagonists and its neighboring teeth by treating the
tooth as a rigid body (solid). Kinematic refers to the concept
that a tooth is not allowed to interpenetrate another tooth and
thus its motion is defined as part of a mechanism comprised
of its antagonists and neighbors and constraints of the oc-
clusal surface and arch form. Strain-free refers to the concept
that a tooth is not allowed to deform. Strain is caused by
the deformation of a body (tooth) over part or all of its vol-
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ume. Kinematic strain-free tooth movement is achieved by
requiring the tooth to act as a rigid body experiencing no
deformation under motion. Used in some complete denture
digital design software.
L
laser scanner A machine that uses a laser beam or plane to scan
an object in 3D.
laser scanning Creates a 3D image through a triangulation
mechanism: a laser dot or line is projected onto an object
from a handheld device, and a sensor (typically a charge-
coupled device, CCD, or position sensitive device) measures
the distance to the surface. Data are collected in relation to
an internal coordinate system, and therefore to collect data
where the scanner is in motion, the position of the scanner
must be determined. The position can be determined by the
scanner using reference features on the surface being scanned
or by using an external tracking method.
license/activation key A specific software passkey that unlocks
software for temporary or permanent use. Some license keys
require renewal after a set period of time or number of uses.
M
medical image registration Data of the same patient taken at
different points in time, such as change detection or tumor
monitoring.
merging The process of combining all individual elements
(meshes, copings, connectors, etc.) into one or more meshes
suitable for additive or subtractive manufacturing.
mesh A general term used to describe the surface referencing
of a scanned point cloud resulting in a 3D object typically
composed of triangular faces. A mesh object has no true cur-
vature. The appearance of curvature is achieved by increasing
the number of faces (level of detail).
metal artifact Metal objects in the scan field can lead to severe
streaking artifacts. This presents a loss of detail, transferring
as a loss of information in the reconstruction of a 3D model
remove material from a workpiece by advancing (or feeding)
in a direction at an angle with the axis of the tool. It covers a
wide variety of different operations and machines, on scales
from small individual parts to large, heavy-duty milling op-
erations. It is one of the most commonly used processes to
fabricate dental restorations with high precision. Mills have
multiple axis (e.g., 3-axis, 4-axis, 5-axis) that determine the
geometries with undercuts, concave contours, and holes.
mirroring The process of symmetrically copying and transfer-
ring one dental design feature (e.g., crown) to the contralateral
side. For example, mirroring a maxillary central incisor so that
its pair is an exact, mirrored duplicate.
model scanning The process of acquiring the 3D image of a
dental model for translation into a digital file format, such as
STL. The digital file can be stored for future reference or used
in a CAD software program for the design and fabrication of
a dental prosthesis.
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morphological tooth adaptation A digital technique to improve
the performance and/or esthetics of a tooth among its neigh-
bors. A simple version of adaptation is scaling, where the mere
size of the tooth is altered (smaller or larger) to achieve bet-
ter occlusion, improved arch length, or to close interproximal
diastemata.
motion artifact A feature that appears in an image, but which
was not present in the original, caused by movement of the
patient, usually appearing as shading or streaking in a recon-
structed image
multi-axis machines The most advanced CNC milling ma-
chines, the multi-axis machines add two more axes in addi-
tion to the three normal axes (X, Y, Z). Horizontal milling
machines also have a C or Q axis, allowing the horizontally
mounted work piece to be rotated, essentially allowing asym-
metric and eccentric turning. The fifth axis (B axis) controls
the tilt of the tool itself. When all of these axes are used in con-
junction with each other, extremely complicated geometries,
even organic geometries such as a human head, can be made
with relative ease. However, the skill to program such ge-
ometries is beyond most operators. Therefore, 5-axis milling
machines are practically always programmed with CAM.
N powder bed fusion Additive manufacturing process that utilizes
non-uniform rational B-spline (NURBS) Commonly used for
very smooth objects because they do not require as many
points to create the same look as polygon geometry does.
A NURBS surface always has four sides defined by control
points.
O
OBJ Simple data-format file that represents 3D geometry alone:
the position of each vertex, position of each texture coordinate
vertex, normal, and the faces that make each polygon defined
as a list of vertices, and texture vertices.
open architecture A digital process or workflow that can be
performed on various digital platforms, as opposed to closed
architecture processes. These are workflows that can only be
performed on a specific platform. STL is an example of open
architecture.
optical scanners Devices that use light projection or laser
beams to obtain a 3D digital replica of an object.
P as a template for the fabrication of an identical object.
photogrammetry The practice of determining the geometric
properties of objects from photographic images. Photogram-
metry is as old as modern photography and can be dated to
the mid-nineteenth century.
Picture Archiving and Communication System (PACS) Med-
ical imaging technology that provides economical storage of,
and convenient access to, images from multiple modalities.
pivot point The point on a 3D object from which any rotation,
scale, or moves that are performed will occur. This pivot point
can be moved to any position on the model. For example,
placing the pivot point on the hinges of a door will tell the
software program where the door should rotate. Pivot points
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Glossary of Digital Dental Terms
serve as the center of an object’s transforms, and the center
of its local coordinate system. An object moves, rotates, and
scales relative to the location and orientation of its pivot point.
Also known as “anchor point.”
pixel Abbreviation of picture element: the smallest possible
element of a picture. A digital image is defined by a discrete
number of pixels arranged in a 2D grid or mosaic. Many very
small pixels blend together in the human eye and brain to give
the illusion of a continuous, unbroken image.
planning software Computer program specifically designed for
use with virtual surgical planning and guided surgery.
point cloud A set of vertices in a 3D coordinate system. These
vertices are usually defined by X, Y, and Z coordinates, and
typically are intended to be representative of the external
surface of an object. Point clouds are most often created by
3D scanners. These devices measure in an automatic way a
large number of points on the surface of an object, and often
output a point cloud as a data file. The point cloud represents
the set of points that the device has measured.
polygon mesh A collection of vertices, edges, and faces that
defines the shape of a polyhedral object in 3D computer graph-
ics and solid modeling. The faces usually consist of triangles,
quadrilaterals, or other simple convex polygons.
an inkjet-type printer head that deposits a fluid in a predefined
pattern over a layer of powder material. The combination of
powder and fluid form a solid structure that can be removed
from the powder “bed” after the process is complete. Once
removed, the solid object can be further treated to bring about
the desired characteristics of strength, hardness, or appear-
ance.
R
radiodensity The relatively opaque white appearance of dense
materials or substances on radiographic imaging studies.
rapid prototyping A generic term that describes many additive
manufacturing processes. In its most general sense, rapid pro-
totyping can refer to any automated, repeatable, CAD-based
process that results in rapid production of a physical object.
raster graphics image (bitmap) A dot matrix data structure
representing a generally rectangular grid of pixels, or points of
color, viewable via a monitor, paper, or other display medium.
reference scan Technique of scanning an object, such as a
diagnostic wax-up or pre-preparation dentition. This is used
ring artifact Phenomenon that occurs due to inaccurate cali-
bration or failure of one or more detector elements in a CT
scanner. They occur close to the isocenter of the scan, and are
usually visible on multiple slices at the same location. They
are a common problem in cranial CT and CBCT.
S
scan body Scannable object used to accurately translate the
position of an implant into a digital file for use in the digital
design of an implant abutment. The scan body serves the same
purpose in digital design that the impression coping serves in
the traditional impression and model technique.
S7

Glossary of Digital Dental Terms
scene file A file format that contains objects in a strictly de-
fined language or data structure; it would contain geometry,
viewpoint, texture, lighting, and shading information as a de-
scription of the virtual scene. The data contained in the scene
file are then passed to a rendering program to be processed
and output to a digital image or raster graphics image file.
selective laser sintering (SLS) Additive manufacturing tech-
nique that uses a high power laser (e.g., a carbon dioxide
laser) to fuse small particles of plastic, metal (direct metal
laser sintering), ceramic, or glass powders into a mass that
has a desired 3D shape.
smoothing A rendering algorithm to give the illusion of smooth-
ness on polygon mesh surfaces. Without smoothing, all
polygonal objects would have a faceted appearance. Also
known as edge smoothing or face smoothing. Smoothing can
be accomplished through the rotation of vertex normals.
standard tessellation language (STL) File format native to the
stereolithography CAD software created by 3D Systems. This
file format is supported by many other software packages; it is
widely used for rapid prototyping and computer-aided man-
ufacturing. An STL file describes only the surface geometry
of a 3D object without any representation of color, texture, or
other common CAD model attributes.
stereolithography (SLA) Also known as 3D printing, optical
fabrication, photo-solidification, solid free-form fabrication,
and solid imaging. It is an additive manufacturing technology
used for producing models, prototypes, patterns, and pro-
duction parts. Stereolithography is an additive manufacturing
process that employs a vat of liquid ultraviolet (UV) curable
photopolymer “resin” and a UV laser to build parts’ layers one
at a time. For each layer, the laser beam traces a cross-section
of the part pattern on the surface of the liquid resin. Exposure
to the UV laser light cures and solidifies the pattern traced on
the resin and joins it to the layer below.
stereophotogrammetry A method to estimate the 3D coordi-
nates of points on an object. These are determined by mea-
surements made in two or more photographic images taken
from different positions. Common points are identified on
each image. A line of sight (or ray) can be constructed from
the camera location to the point on the object. It is the inter-
section of these rays (triangulation) that determines the 3D
location of the point.
structured-light 3D scanner Scanning device for measuring
the three-dimensional shape of an object using projected light
patterns and a camera system.
subtractive manufacturing (SM) Conventional machining is a
form of subtractive manufacturing, in which a collection of
material-working processes use power-driven machine tools,
such as saws, lathes, milling machines, and drill presses.
These are used with a sharp cutting tool to physically remove
material to achieve a desired geometry.
surface normals Define the direction that light will bounce off
of geometry. This is very helpful to have control over how the
light reacts to certain materials on 3D objects.
T ters, protected by a spray of cool liquid against overheat-
tessellation The division of a surface into smaller polygons,
yielding a higher level of detail.
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American College of Prosthodontists
texture mapping Method for adding detail, surface texture (a
bitmap or raster image), or color to a computer-generated
graphic or 3D model.
topology Study of those properties of geometric forms that re-
main invariant under certain transformations, such as bending
or stretching. Whatever type of geometry used, NURBS, or
points, edges, and faces create it. The way these components
are connected together and the flow around the 3D object is
the topology.
transforms The process of changing the geometric shape and
form of a 3D digital object by manipulating polygonal ver-
tices, points, and lines of the surface mesh structure.
triangular mesh A triangle mesh is a type of polygon mesh
used in computer graphics. It comprises a set of triangles
connected by their common edges or corners. This allows for
3D digital constructs and their ready manipulation.
V
vat A large container used for storing or holding liquids, typi-
cally resins used in additive manufacturing processes.
vertex The smallest component of a polygon model. It is simply
a point in 3D space. By connecting multiple vertices together
a 3D polygon model can be created. These points can be
manipulated to create the desired shape.
virtual articulation The process of simulating static and dy-
namic relationship of teeth in opposite arches using computer
software.
virtual model Digital 3D representation of a dental model cre-
ated from an intraoral or desktop scan of an object.
virtual reality (VR) A term that applies to computer-simulated
environments that can simulate a physical presence in places
in the real world, as well as in imaginary worlds. Most current
VR environments are primarily visual experiences, displayed
either on a computer screen or through special stereoscopic
displays. Some simulations include additional sensory infor-
mation, such as sound through speakers or headphones.
virtual reality modeling language (VRML) Text file format
where, for example, vertices and edges for a 3D polygon can
be specified along with the surface color, UV mapped textures,
shininess, and transparency, etc.
virtual surgical planning Presurgical manipulation of 3D mod-
els of the surgical site to predict outcomes, design surgical
guides, or to develop options. Generally limited to surgery
involving movement of bone, specifically in craniofacial, or-
thopedic surgery, dental implant placement, and heart and
other soft tissue surgical planning.
voxel (volumetric pixel or volumetric picture element) Volume
element, representing a value on a regular grid in 3D space.
Isotropic being cube shaped (CBCT) and orthotropic being
rectangular (CT).
W
wet milling Process of milling with diamond or carbide cut-
ing of the milled material. This kind of processing is nec-
essary for all metals and glass ceramic material in order to
avoid damage through heat development. “Wet” processing
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American College of Prosthodontists Glossary of Digital Dental Terms

is recommended if zirconium oxide ceramic with a higher de- SLS: selective laser sintering
gree of pre-sintering is employed for the milling process. See SM: subtractive manufacturing
dry processing/dry milling for cutting zirconium oxide with STL: standard tessellation language
low levels of pre-sintering. VR: virtual reality
white-light scanner (WLS) A device for measuring the phys- VRML: virtual reality modeling language
ical geometrical characteristics of an object using white- WLS: white light scanner
light interferometry. WLS systems capture intensity data
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