1. Operative fixation of loose or prolapsed abdominal or pelvic organs. 2. The part to which anything is fastened. In dentistry, a tooth or an implanted tooth substitute with which a fixed or removable partial denture, crown, or restoration is retained. 3. The nature and degree of resistance to displacement offered by an anatomical unit when used for the purpose of effecting tooth movement. [L. ancora, fr. G. ankyra, anchor]
- extraoral a. a. in which the resistance unit is outside the oral cavity; e.g., cranial, occipital, or cervical a..
- intermaxillary a. a. in which the units in one jaw are used to effect tooth movement in the other jaw.
- intramaxillary a. a. in which the resistance units are all situated within the same jaw.
- occipital a. a. in which the top and back of the head are used for resistance by means of a headgear.
- reciprocal a. a. in which the movement of one or more teeth is balanced against the movement of one or more opposing teeth.
- reinforced a. SYN: multiple a..
- simple a. a. in which the resistance to the movement of one or more teeth comes solely from resistance to tipping movement of the a. unit.
- stationary a. a. in which the resistance to the movement of one or more teeth comes from the resistance to bodily movement of the a. unit; a questionable concept since the selected teeth remain only relatively stable.
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an·chor·age 'aŋ-k(ə-)rij n
1) the act of securing or fastening firmly
2) something (as a tooth) that provides a secure hold <\anchorage for a dental plate>
3) a point or frame of psychological reference
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an·chor·age (angґkər-əj) 1. surgical fixation of a displaced viscus. 2. in operative dentistry, the fixation of fillings or of artificial crowns or bridges. 3. in orthodontics, the nature and degree of resistance to displacement offered by an anatomical unit when force is applied to cause movement during a procedure. in tissue cell culture, the attachment of proliferating cells to a solid surface.Medical dictionary. 2011.