Fundamental and Preventative Curvatures Chapter 3

Proximal

mesial or distal

Contact area

The distal area touches the mesial

Contact point

A tooth in one arch touches a tooth in the opposite arch

Open Contacts (Spaces between teeth)

• When teeth next to each other don’t touch tightly.

• Diastema: A big gap between teeth.

• A small gap can cause problems like cavities or gum disease because food can get stuck there more easily.

Interproximal spaces

V-shaped spaces between teeth.

• Interdental Papilla: Pointy gum tissue that fills these spaces.

Embrasures

Tiny spaces or "gaps" around teeth that help food slide away, like little pathways for food to escape when you chew.

Gingival embrasures

• Only happens when there’s no gum or bone filling the space between teeth.

• Also called a "Cervical Embrasure."

What Embrasures Do

• Help move food away from teeth.

• Stop food from getting stuck and hurting gums.

• Let food pass around the tooth.

• Protect teeth from strong chewing forces.

• Help keep teeth clean.

• Gently massage the gums.

Facial and Lingual Contours

• Help gently massage the gums.

• Direct food away from teeth.

Too much deflection

Gums don’t get enough stimulation.

Too little deflection

Food can get pushed into the gum line.

Self-Cleaning Qualities of Teeth

• Saliva, tongue, lips, and cheeks help keep teeth clean.

• Works best on smooth teeth with natural shapes.

• Deep pits and grooves: Can trap food.

• Rough or uneven edges: Hold bacteria and plaque.

• Overhanging fillings: Let plaque, bacteria, and food build up.