Dental glossary — terms beginning with Y

Y-plate, in dentistry a "plate" is a brace. The Y-plate is a removable orthodontic appliance with two screws that are activated to a set rhythm. It can widen the upper jaw and at the same time push the front teeth forward, so as to create space for upper canines whose eruption is obstructed. The Y-plate is used mostly in orthodontic treatment for children.

Y-incision, a term for a particular surgical incision in dentistry.

Y-plasty, in the course of orthodontic treatment a labial frenulum attached too close to the central incisors of the upper jaw is shortened. It is either divided surgically under anaesthetic, or its attachment shortened with a Y-plasty.