Questions and Answers
What is an embrasure?
An opening between the adjacent surfaces of the teeth that widens from the contact points towards the facial, lingual, incisal, and occlusal and cervical surfaces.
How are embrasures named?
According to their location.
What are the names of the 4 embrasures?
Facial embrasure, lingual embrasure, incisal embrasure or occlusal embrasure, cervical embrasure.
List the functions of embrasures.
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From the facial to lingual aspect, do incisal and occlusal embrasures increase or decrease in size from the anterior to posterior?
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From the facial to lingual aspect, do cervical embrasures increase or decrease in size from the anterior to posterior?
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If you bisect the embrasure, what do you see?
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From the incisal and occlusal aspect, all crowns converge more lingually than facially from contact areas causing wider lingual embrasures than facial embrasures except for which tooth?
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What three things affect embrasure form?
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Study Notes
Embrasure Overview
- An embrasure is the opening between adjacent teeth surfaces that widens towards facial, lingual, incisal, and occlusal or cervical areas.
- They play a significant role in dental anatomy and occlusion.
Naming and Types of Embrasures
- Embrasures are named based on their specific location between teeth.
- Four primary types of embrasures identified:
- Facial embrasure
- Lingual embrasure
- Incisal or occlusal embrasure
- Cervical embrasure (also known as interproximal space)
Functions of Embrasures
- Serve as a spillway for food during mastication, reducing forces on teeth.
- Contribute to the self-cleansing process of teeth.
- Stimulate the periodontium, promoting gum health.
- Anterior embrasures have aesthetic importance.
- Help prevent food impaction through contact areas.
Size Variation of Embrasures
- From a facial to lingual aspect, incisal and occlusal embrasures increase in size from anterior to posterior teeth.
- Cervical embrasures decrease in size from anterior to posterior teeth.
Symmetry and Embrasure Shape
- Bisecting an embrasure results in symmetrical halves, indicating balanced spacing between teeth.
- From incisal and occlusal views, all crowns tend to converge more towards the lingual than facially, leading to wider lingual embrasures, except for the maxillary first molar, which is wider mesial-distally on the lingual side.
Factors Influencing Embrasure Form
- Embrasure form is affected by:
- Size of the adjacent teeth.
- Shape of the teeth.
- Location of the contact point between adjacent teeth.
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Description
This quiz covers the definition, types, and functions of embrasures in dental anatomy. Learn how these openings between teeth contribute to oral health and aesthetics. It's essential for understanding dental occlusion and periodontium stimulation.
