Intermediate
Technical
IVT
die
A precise replica of a prepared tooth, usually made from dental stone or epoxy resin, used as a working model for fabricating a restoration.
Full Definition
In dental laboratory practice, a die is a hardened positive reproduction of a single prepared tooth, separated from the master cast so the technician can work on it individually. Dies are typically poured from vinyl polysiloxane or polyether impressions and are made from type IV or type V dental stone. Editors should be alert to the homograph risk: 'die' in this context is always a noun referring to a model, never the verb 'to die.' The plural is 'dies,' not 'dice.'
Usage
Usage note: Always lowercase. Distinguish clearly from 'cast' (the full arch model) and from the homographic verb. The plural is 'dies.'
In Context
- "The technician trimmed each die to expose the finish line before waxing the copings." — Crown and bridge fabrication notes
- "The dies were numbered and colour-coded to correspond with the master cast." — Laboratory work order
Also known as
working die
tooth die
Don't confuse with
cast
model
die (verb)