Tooth Alignment Quiz: Interproximal Space and Embrasures Difference

What is the primary purpose of reducing occlusal forces as mentioned in the text?

How do rounded tooth surfaces contribute to self-cleansing as stated in the text?

Where is the height of contour located in the anterior teeth according to the text?

What is the purpose of proper facial and lingual contours of teeth, based on the text?

What happens when teeth wear down to the contact area, particularly in the incisors, according to the text?

What is the primary function of teeth in contact with each other?

What can occur when food is forced between teeth past the contact areas?

What is the shape of the interproximal spaces between the teeth?

What is the purpose of the gingival tissue in the interdental spaces?

What can occur when normal forces are no longer distributed over several teeth?

What is the term for the triangularly shaped gingival tissue that fills the interdental spaces?

What is the function of interdental papilla between teeth?

What occurs when there is gingival recession between teeth?

Which spaces widen out labially or buccally and lingually adjacent to the area of contact?

What is the purpose of incisal or occlusal embrasures between teeth?

How do embrasures contribute to tooth self-cleansing?

In what form do embrasures provide help in keeping food from being packed between teeth?

Occlusal Trauma

Reduces forces brought on teeth, dissipating and reducing occlusal forces, preventing food from being forced through the contact area and protecting gingiva from trauma.
Enables self-cleansing with rounded surfaces, making them more liable to friction from the tongue and lip cleaning action.
Permits slight stimulation to the gingiva by frictional massage of food.

Facial and Lingual Contours

In anterior teeth, the height of contour is in the cervical third on both labial and lingual surfaces.
In posterior teeth, the buccal height of contour is in the cervical third, while the lingual height of contour is in the middle third, except in the lower five, which is in the occlusal third.
Proper contour provides:
- Hold gingiva under definite tension.
- Stabilizes dental arches by anchorage of all teeth in positive contact with each other (except for third molars).
- Resists teeth displacement.

Interproximal Spaces

Formed by proximal surfaces in contact, these triangularly shaped spaces are normally filled by gingival tissue (interdental papilla).
The base of the triangle is the alveolar process, and the sides are the proximal surfaces of the contacting teeth.
Proper interproximal space and alignment of adjoining teeth provides:
- Interproximal spaces filled with gingival tissue, keeping food away from collecting cervical to the contact area.
- Bulk of bone for better tooth support.
- Adequate space for good vascular supply to nourish interdental bone and gingiva.

Embrasures (Spillways)

Formed by the curvatures of adjacent teeth in contact, these spaces widen out from the contact area labially or buccally and lingually (labial or buccal and lingual interproximal embrasures).
Above the contact areas, the spaces bounded by marginal ridges are called incisal or occlusal embrasures.
Form of embrasures provides:
- Allowing food to be shunted away from contact areas, keeping food from being packed between teeth.

Learn about the importance of proper interproximal space and alignment of adjoining teeth in maintaining healthy gums and supporting teeth. Explore how interdental papilla, bone bulk, and vascular supply contribute to oral health.