Contatcs and contours/ esthetic dentistry programs

CONTACTS ANDCONTACTS AND
CONTOURSCONTOURS
www.indiandentalacademy.comwww.indiandentalacademy.com
INDIAN DENTAL ACADEMY
Leader in continuing dental education
www.indiandentalacademy.com

CONTENTSCONTENTS
 1)1) IntroductionIntroduction
 2) History2) History
 3) Definitions3) Definitions
 4) Proximal contour, contact4) Proximal contour, contact
area and related structuresarea and related structures
 5) Contact area and contact5) Contact area and contact
pointpoint
 6) Examination of proximal6) Examination of proximal
contact relationscontact relations
 7) Contours7) Contours
 8) Inter proximal surfaces8) Inter proximal surfaces
 9) Embrasures9) Embrasures
 10) Hazards of faulty10) Hazards of faulty
reproduction of the physio-reproduction of the physio-
anatomical features of theanatomical features of the
teeth in restorations.teeth in restorations.
 11) Marginal ridges11) Marginal ridges
 12) Occlusion.12) Occlusion.
 13) Procedures for formulating13) Procedures for formulating
proper contacts and contoursproper contacts and contours
 14) WEDGES14) WEDGES
 15) MATRICES15) MATRICES
 16) Extra oral formulation of16) Extra oral formulation of
contacts and contours (for castcontacts and contours (for cast
restorations)restorations)
 17) SLIDE SHOW of tri clip17) SLIDE SHOW of tri clip
and v ring applicationand v ring application
 18) Conclusion18) Conclusion
 19) References19) References

INTRODUCTIONINTRODUCTION

• Human teeth … designed so that …Human teeth … designed so that …
individual tooth …contributes to theirindividual tooth …contributes to their
own support and collectively …the teethown support and collectively …the teeth
…..in the arch support the…..in the arch support the
stomatognathic system.stomatognathic system.
• Periodontal fibers act asPeriodontal fibers act as CUSHIONCUSHION andand
this arrangement relieves thethis arrangement relieves the
supporting bone .supporting bone .

• Failure toFailure to respectrespect andand preservepreserve thesethese
relationships will lead to….relationships will lead to….
• 1)1)premature failure of the restorationpremature failure of the restoration
• 2)pe2)periodontal problemsriodontal problems
• 3)3)initiation of caries around theinitiation of caries around the
adjacent tooth structuresadjacent tooth structures..

 FROM CARIOGENIC ASPECTFROM CARIOGENIC ASPECT, there, there
may be onlymay be only 20 occlusal surfaces20 occlusal surfaces..
 There areThere are 6060 contacting proximalcontacting proximal
&& 6464 facial & lingual surfacesfacial & lingual surfaces
 OCCLUSAL SURFACES.. areOCCLUSAL SURFACES.. are
predisposed to decay by faultypredisposed to decay by faulty
fissures & grooves.fissures & grooves.

 Decay on theDecay on the proximal surfaceproximal surface mainly duemainly due
to faulty interrelationship betweento faulty interrelationship between
1. Contact areas1. Contact areas
2. Marginal ridges2. Marginal ridges
3. Embrasures3. Embrasures
4. Gingiva4. Gingiva

 FROM PERIODONTAL ASPECT,FROM PERIODONTAL ASPECT,
periodontitisperiodontitis also will be enhanced andalso will be enhanced and
accelerated both inter-proximally and inaccelerated both inter-proximally and in
the facial and lingual periodontium bythe facial and lingual periodontium by
these faulty inter relationshipsthese faulty inter relationships

HISTORYHISTORY

According to operative dentistry..byAccording to operative dentistry..by
G.V.BlackG.V.Black….….
 As early as 1886 theAs early as 1886 the
earliest seperatorsearliest seperators
were used bywere used by
S.G.PerryS.G.Perry
 Was subsequentlyWas subsequently
improved byimproved by
W.I.FerrierW.I.Ferrier
 It was stabilised byIt was stabilised by
using gutta-percha orusing gutta-percha or
modelling compound.modelling compound.

Ferriers seperatorFerriers seperator
 Ferriers seperatorFerriers seperator
stabilised withstabilised with
impressionimpression
compound..usedcompound..used
earlier.earlier.

 There were six instruments in one set made inThere were six instruments in one set made in
shapes and sizes adaptable to the teeth inshapes and sizes adaptable to the teeth in
various positions in the mouthvarious positions in the mouth

 Early Blacks MatriceEarly Blacks Matrice
was tied with awas tied with a
ligature wrappedligature wrapped
around the tooth 3 toaround the tooth 3 to
4 times and tied with4 times and tied with
a surgeons knot.a surgeons knot.

Gullford matricesGullford matrices

DEFINITIONSDEFINITIONS

1) PROXIMAL CONTACT AREAS
The area of proximal height of contour of the mesial or distal
surface of the tooth that touches its adjacent tooth in the
same arch.
2) CONTOURS
The convexity on the facial and lingual surfaces of the tooth
that affords protection and stimulation of the supporting
tissues during mastication.

3) INTERPROXIMAL SPACES
They are v-shaped spaces found between the tooth formed
by the proximal surfaces and the contact areas.
4) INTERDENTAL PAPILLAE/ PAPILLARY GINGIVA
Inter proximal spaces normally filled with gingival tissues.

5)EMBRASURES
V-shaped spaces that originate at the proximal contact areas
between adjacent teeth and are named for the direction they
radiate .(eg: facial/buccal embrasure ,lingual embrasure,
occlusal/incisal embrasure and gingival embrasure).
6) CERVICAL EMBRASURES
When gingival recession occurs between the teeth ,theWhen gingival recession occurs between the teeth ,the
interdental papilla and bone no longer fill the entire interproximalinterdental papilla and bone no longer fill the entire interproximal
space. These voids exist cervically to the contact areas and arespace. These voids exist cervically to the contact areas and are
called“CERVICAL EMBRASURES”.called“CERVICAL EMBRASURES”.

7)7) RIDGERIDGE
Linear elevation on the surface of a tooth and is namedLinear elevation on the surface of a tooth and is named
according to its location (eg:buccal ridge,incisal ridge,marginalaccording to its location (eg:buccal ridge,incisal ridge,marginal
ridge).ridge).
8)8) MARGINAL RIDGEMARGINAL RIDGE
are those rounded borders of enamel that forms the mesialare those rounded borders of enamel that forms the mesial
and distal margins of the occlusal surfaces of molars and preand distal margins of the occlusal surfaces of molars and pre
molars ,and the mesial and distal margins of the lingualmolars ,and the mesial and distal margins of the lingual
surfaces of incisors and canines.surfaces of incisors and canines.

PROXIMALPROXIMAL
CONTOUR,CONTACT AREACONTOUR,CONTACT AREA
AND RELATED STRUCTURESAND RELATED STRUCTURES

 According to their general shape, teethAccording to their general shape, teeth
can be divided into 3 types.can be divided into 3 types.
1.1. Tapering teethTapering teeth
2.2. Square typeSquare type
3.3. Ovoid typeOvoid type

1.1. TAPERING TEETHTAPERING TEETH
 Wide crowns.Wide crowns.
 Narrow cervices.Narrow cervices.

2.2. SQUARE TYPESQUARE TYPE
 Tooth is bulkyTooth is bulky
and angular,and angular,
with slightlywith slightly
roundedrounded
contour.contour.

3.3. OVOID TYPEOVOID TYPE
 It is a transitionIt is a transition
between the taperingbetween the tapering
and the squareand the square
types.types.
 Surfaces are convexSurfaces are convex
but infrequently theybut infrequently they
may be concave.may be concave.

IncisorsIncisors
 TaperingTapering
Contacts starts at theContacts starts at the
incisal ridge incisally,incisal ridge incisally,
little towards labial,little towards labial,
labio-lingually.labio-lingually.

SquareSquare
Starts at incisal ridgeStarts at incisal ridge
incisally & in lineincisally & in line
with it labio-lingually.with it labio-lingually.
IncisorsIncisors

OvoidOvoid
Slightly lingual to the incisal ridge,Slightly lingual to the incisal ridge,
Mesial contacts starts at the 1/4 ofMesial contacts starts at the 1/4 of
the crown inciso-gingivally.the crown inciso-gingivally.
Distal contacts start 1/3 to ½Distal contacts start 1/3 to ½
of the crown inciso-gingivally.of the crown inciso-gingivally.
IncisorsIncisors

CANINECANINE
 TAPERINGTAPERING
Mesial contact at theMesial contact at the
incisal ridgeincisal ridge
Distal contact nearDistal contact near
the middle.the middle.
Very angularVery angular

 SQUARESQUARE
Close to incisalClose to incisal
ridges incisally.ridges incisally.
In line with themIn line with them
CANINECANINE

CANINECANINE
 OVOID(same as the square type)OVOID(same as the square type)
Close to incisal ridgesClose to incisal ridges
incisally.incisally.
In line with themIn line with them
labio-linguallylabio-lingually

Pre molarsPre molars
 TAPERINGTAPERING
Buccal periphery at theBuccal periphery at the
buccal axial angle of thebuccal axial angle of the
tooth.tooth.
Occlusal periphery at theOcclusal periphery at the
junction of occlusal &junction of occlusal &
middle third of the tooth.middle third of the tooth.
Cusps form 1/4 -1/3 ofCusps form 1/4 -1/3 of
crowncrown

 SQUARESQUARE
Buccal peripheryBuccal periphery
more towardsmore towards
buccal axial angle.buccal axial angle.
Occlusal peripheryOcclusal periphery
is at occlusal third.is at occlusal third.
PremolarsPremolars

 OVOIDOVOID
Convexity of MarginalConvexity of Marginal
Ridge carries occlusalRidge carries occlusal
periphery towardsperiphery towards
middle third.middle third.
Buccal periphery atBuccal periphery at
junction of buccal &junction of buccal &
middle third.middle third.
PremolarsPremolars

MOLARSMOLARS
 TaperingTapering (Mesial contact)(Mesial contact)
Buccal periphery at buccal axial angle.Buccal periphery at buccal axial angle.
Occlusal-periphery at the junction ofOcclusal-periphery at the junction of
occlusal & middle third of the crown.occlusal & middle third of the crown.
Large cusps.Large cusps.

 SquareSquare (Mesial contact)(Mesial contact)
Buccal periphery more towards buccalBuccal periphery more towards buccal
axial angle.axial angle.
Occlusal periphery is at occlusal third.Occlusal periphery is at occlusal third.
Extension lingualy stops in the middleExtension lingualy stops in the middle
third.third.
MOLARSMOLARS

 OvoidOvoid (Mesial contact)(Mesial contact)
Convexity of MR carries occlusal
periphery towards middle third.
Buccal periphery at junction of buccal &
middle third.
MOLARSMOLARS

 TaperingTapering (Distal contact)(Distal contact)
Buccal periphery at the middle third.Buccal periphery at the middle third.
Occlusal-periphery at the middle third.Occlusal-periphery at the middle third.
MOLARSMOLARS

 SquareSquare ((DistalDistal contact)contact)
 More lingualy deviated than the mesial butMore lingualy deviated than the mesial but
not to the extent of the tapering .not to the extent of the tapering .
MOLARSMOLARS

 OvoidOvoid ((Distal contact)Distal contact)
Buccal periphery in line with the centralBuccal periphery in line with the central
groove in the occlusal surface.groove in the occlusal surface.
MOLARSMOLARS

Embrasures varies for tapering ,square and ovoid tooth
Tapering Square Ovoid
Wide variations
Incisal and labial
…. negligable.
Buccal embrasures..
small
Gingival and lingual
embrasures between
anterior teeth…
widest and longest
Lingual embrasures..
long with medium width
Gingival embrasures
between posteriors ..
broad and long.
1)Incisal,lingual,
occlusal, and buccal
embrasures … nil.
2)Lingual embrasures
… very narrow and
long .
3)Gingival embrasures
almost not noticable
1)Incisal,buccal,labial
and occlusal
embrasures … wider
and deeper than the
others.
2)Gingival and lingual
… short and broad.

Contact areas and contactContact areas and contact
pointpoint

ContactsContacts Places on thePlaces on the
proximal surfaces ofproximal surfaces of
tooth crowns where atooth crowns where a
tooth touches thetooth touches the
tooth adjacent to it intooth adjacent to it in
the same arch whenthe same arch when
the teeth are in properthe teeth are in proper
alignment.(Byalignment.(By
Lewis.J.Clamann)Lewis.J.Clamann)
 Two types of contactsTwo types of contacts
 Contact PointContact Point
 Contact AreaContact Area www.indiandentalacademy.comwww.indiandentalacademy.com

 According to Ziesz and Nuckulls, the contact area
is not just a point, but rather a flattened positioned
of the tooth.
 Contact point refers to the occlusal cusp of a tooth
that touches the occlusal portion of another tooth in
the opposing arch. Thus a contact area and contact
point are not the same.
Contact pointContact area

Contact areas andContact areas and incisal andincisal and
occlusal embrasuresocclusal embrasures ofof maxillarymaxillary
teethteeth
from the labial and buccal aspect.from the labial and buccal aspect.

Central incisorsCentral incisors
 Mesially..incisal 3Mesially..incisal 3rdrd
of theof the
crowncrown
 Distally….contact pointDistally….contact point
….slightly higher.….slightly higher.
 Since the mesio incisalSince the mesio incisal
angle approaches at aangle approaches at a
right angle…the incisalright angle…the incisal
embrasures are veryembrasures are very
slight.slight.
Central
Incisor
Lateral
incisor
Central
incisor

Central and lateral incisorCentral and lateral incisor
 Distal outline of centralDistal outline of central
incisor crown…rounded.incisor crown…rounded.
 Lateral incisor has aLateral incisor has a
shorter crown and a moreshorter crown and a more
rounded mesioincisalrounded mesioincisal
angle than central incisor.angle than central incisor.
 Embrasure..distal to theEmbrasure..distal to the
central larger than thecentral larger than the
one mesial to the central.one mesial to the central.
Lateral
canine
central

Lateral incisor and canineLateral incisor and canine
 Mesial contact area onMesial contact area on
… lateral … on a point… lateral … on a point
slightly above the incisalslightly above the incisal
third of the tooth.third of the tooth.
 Mesial contact area onMesial contact area on
canine…..at the junctioncanine…..at the junction
of incisal and middleof incisal and middle
third.third.
 Embrasure more openEmbrasure more open
than the previous 2.than the previous 2.
lateral
canine

Canine and 1Canine and 1stst
per molarper molar
 Canine has a long distalCanine has a long distal
slope .. contact area is atslope .. contact area is at
the centre of the middlethe centre of the middle
33rdrd
of the crown.of the crown.
 In pre molar the mesialIn pre molar the mesial
contact area … justcontact area … just
cervical to the junction ofcervical to the junction of
the incisal and middlethe incisal and middle
third.third.
 Embrasure between theEmbrasure between the
teeth has a wide angle.teeth has a wide angle.
canine
pre
molar

First and second premolarsFirst and second premolars
 Contact area here is aContact area here is a
little cervical to thelittle cervical to the
junction of the incisaljunction of the incisal
and middle thirds ofand middle thirds of
the crown.the crown.
 Form of these teethForm of these teeth
creates a widecreates a wide
occlusal embrasureocclusal embrasure..
1st
per
molar
2nd
per
molar
molar

22ndnd
pre molar and 1pre molar and 1stst
molarmolar
 Contact hereContact here
..again….little cervical..again….little cervical
to the junction of theto the junction of the
occlusal and middleocclusal and middle
thirds of the crown.thirds of the crown.
2nd
pre
molar
1st
molar
1st
molar
2nd
molar
2nd
Pre
molar
1st
Pre
molar

11stst
,2,2ndnd
and 3and 3rdrd
molarsmolars
 In all three….contact areaIn all three….contact area
…..in the centre of the…..in the centre of the
anatomical crown.anatomical crown.
 Mesial contact area of theMesial contact area of the
22ndnd
molar approaches themolar approaches the
middle third of themiddle third of the
crown…occlusalcrown…occlusal
embrasure is more as aembrasure is more as a
consequence.consequence.
Pre
molar
1st
molar 2nd
molar
1st
molar
2nd
molar
3rd
molar

Contact areas andContact areas and incisal andincisal and
occlusal embrasuresocclusal embrasures on theon the
mandibularmandibular tooth from the labialtooth from the labial
and buccal aspectand buccal aspect

Central incisorsCentral incisors
 Mesial contact areas onMesial contact areas on
the mandibular centralthe mandibular central
incisors .. located at theincisors .. located at the
incisal third of the crown.incisal third of the crown.
 Contact area extends toContact area extends to
the mesio incisalthe mesio incisal
angle..so a small incisalangle..so a small incisal
embrasure occursembrasure occurs
mesially between themesially between the
mandibular centalmandibular cental
incisors.incisors.
central
lateral
central

Central and lateral incisorsCentral and lateral incisors
 Mesial and distalMesial and distal
contact areas ….contact areas ….
located on the incisallocated on the incisal
3rds of the crown.3rds of the crown.
 As the the central andAs the the central and
lateral here arelateral here are
small..so are theirsmall..so are their
embrasure forms.embrasure forms.
central
lateral
canine
lateral

Lateral incisors and canineLateral incisors and canine
 Contact area distally onContact area distally on
the lateral and mesiallythe lateral and mesially
on the canine …. at theon the canine …. at the
incisal 3incisal 3rdrd
close to theclose to the
incisal ridgeincisal ridge
 Mesio incisal angle isMesio incisal angle is
small here..hence there issmall here..hence there is
a small incisal embrasurea small incisal embrasure
at this pointat this point..
lateral
canine
canine
Pre
molar

Canine and 1Canine and 1stst
pre molarpre molar
 In mandibular canine , distalIn mandibular canine , distal
slope is pronounced andslope is pronounced and
long .. distal contact area islong .. distal contact area is
cervical to the junction of thecervical to the junction of the
incisal and middle third.incisal and middle third.
 First premolar….has a longFirst premolar….has a long
buccal cusp…although itsbuccal cusp…although its
crown is shorter than thecrown is shorter than the
canine,…. mesial contact areacanine,…. mesial contact area
is just cervical to the junctionis just cervical to the junction
of the occlusal and middle thirdof the occlusal and middle third
 Occlusal embrasure is quiteOcclusal embrasure is quite
wide and pronounced becausewide and pronounced because
of the cusp forms of theseof the cusp forms of these
tooth.tooth.
canine
1st
Pre
molar
1st
Pre
molar
canine

11stst
and 2nd pre molarsand 2nd pre molars
 Buccal cusp of 2Buccal cusp of 2ndnd
prepre
molar … not as long asmolar … not as long as
that of the first pre molarthat of the first pre molar
 The contact of theseThe contact of these
teeth.. nearly in line withteeth.. nearly in line with
that of the canine and firstthat of the canine and first
pre molar.pre molar.
 Slope of the cuspsSlope of the cusps
creates a large occlusalcreates a large occlusal
embrasure here.embrasure here.
1st
Pre
molar
2nd
pre
molar
1st
molar
2nd
Pre
molar

22ndnd
pre molar and 1pre molar and 1stst
molarmolar
 In 2In 2ndnd
pre molars the mesialpre molars the mesial
and distal contact point are inand distal contact point are in
the same linethe same line
 The mesio buccal cusp of 1The mesio buccal cusp of 1stst
molar,is shorter and moremolar,is shorter and more
rounded than the cusp of therounded than the cusp of the
22ndnd
pre molarpre molar
 Mesiobuccal cusp of the 1Mesiobuccal cusp of the 1stst
molar is shorter and moremolar is shorter and more
rounded than the cusp of therounded than the cusp of the
second molar..hence occlusalsecond molar..hence occlusal
embrasure varies hereembrasure varies here..
1st
molar
2nd
Pre
molar
1st
molar

11stst
,2,2ndnd
and 3and 3rdrd
molarsmolars
 Proximal surfaces … quiteProximal surfaces … quite
round.round.
 Because the molars becomeBecause the molars become
progressively shorter from theprogressively shorter from the
first to the last molar, thefirst to the last molar, the
centres of the contact areacentres of the contact area
also drop cervicallyalso drop cervically
 A line bisecting the contactA line bisecting the contact
area of the 2area of the 2ndnd
and 3and 3rdrd
molar ismolar is
located approximally at thelocated approximally at the
centre of the middle thirds ofcentre of the middle thirds of
the crown.the crown.
 Though cusps are short theThough cusps are short the
occlusal embrasures areocclusal embrasures are
generous here.generous here.
1st
molar
2nd
molar
3rd
molar
2nd
molar
1st
molar
2nd
Pre
molar

Sloping of the contact points followSloping of the contact points follow
a curve…a curve…

Examination of proximalExamination of proximal
contact relationshipscontact relationships

Examination of proximal contact
relationship
Visual inspection
Digital test
Radiographic -> paralleling technique

Visual inspection
1. Viewing the contact from the occlusal and incisal areas allows
an evaluation of the contact and adjacent tooth contour.
2. Viewing the contact from the buccal or lingual aspect in either
aspect with the aid of a mirror to reflect light into the area is
extremely helpful.
Digital test
1. A fine unwaxed dental floss is a valuable aid in the
assessment of the breadth of contact and its lightness.
2. This test is made by first passing the floss obliquely through the
buccal embrasure and judging the cervical and lingual extent of
the contact as the floss is removed.

ContoursContours

ContoursContours
 Generally located at the cervical third of theGenerally located at the cervical third of the
crown on the facial surface of all teeth andcrown on the facial surface of all teeth and
the lingual surface of the incisors andthe lingual surface of the incisors and
canines.canines.
 Lingual surface of posterior teeth were theLingual surface of posterior teeth were the
height of contour is located in the middleheight of contour is located in the middle
third of the crownthird of the crown

ContoursContours
 The facial and lingual surface posses someThe facial and lingual surface posses some
degree of convexity that affords protectiondegree of convexity that affords protection
and stimulation of the supporting tissuesand stimulation of the supporting tissues
during masticationduring mastication..
 Normal tooth contours act as in deflectingNormal tooth contours act as in deflecting
food only to the extent that the passing foodfood only to the extent that the passing food
stimulates (by gentle massage) rather thanstimulates (by gentle massage) rather than
irritates the investing tissuesirritates the investing tissues..

Contours on anterior and posteriorsContours on anterior and posteriors

Hazards of improper proximal contour relationship.
Over contour under contour correct contour
Deflects food from gingiva
* Irritation of soft tissue * Adequate stimulation
supporting tissues
Under stimulation of
supporting tissues Restoration overhangs
Circulation and growth of
Cariogenic & plaque
HEALTHY
CONDITION

Managements
Over contoured proximal contour
Recontour if possible
Files – Rhein trimmer
Wedelstaedt chisel or bard parker No. 12 blade.
Rotary instruments
* Sand disks
* Flame shaped finishing burs
Subgingival contours
Low speed reciprocating action hand piece system –
Eva system using wedge shaped files.
Undercontoured Proximal contour
Replace the restoration

Functions of contours…
• 1) Acts in deflecting food only to the extent that passing food
stimulates by gentle massaging rather than irritates the
investing tissues.
• 2) Maintanance of periodontal tissues.
• 3) Proximal height of contour helps to provide contacts with
proximal surfaces of the adjacent teeth which prevents food
impaction.
• 4) Provide adequate embrasure space gingivally of the
contacts for gingival tissues, supporting tissues, blood
vessels and nerves that serve the supporting structures.
• 5) For upper anterior teeth -> essential determinant for
mandibular movement.
• 6) Serves to decrease the tooth bulk from its gingival third to
incisal third.

IMPPROPER RESTORATIONS CAN LEAD TO
ORGINGIVITIS PERIODONTITIS

Interproximal spacesInterproximal spaces

Interproximal spacesInterproximal spaces
 Are V-shaped spaces between the teeth formed by theAre V-shaped spaces between the teeth formed by the
proximal surface and their contact areas. theseproximal surface and their contact areas. these
spaces are normally filled with gingival tissues calledspaces are normally filled with gingival tissues called
papillary gingiva or interdental papillapapillary gingiva or interdental papilla..

 When gingival recession occurs between theWhen gingival recession occurs between the
teeth ,the interdental papilla and bone noteeth ,the interdental papilla and bone no
longer fill the entire interproximal space. thislonger fill the entire interproximal space. this
void exists cervically to the contact .thesevoid exists cervically to the contact .these
voids are calledvoids are called “CERVICAL“CERVICAL
EMBRASURES”EMBRASURES”

EMBRASURESEMBRASURES

EmbrasuresEmbrasures
 Embrasures (spillways) are the spacesEmbrasures (spillways) are the spaces
between the teeth that are occlusal tobetween the teeth that are occlusal to
the contact areas they allow for thethe contact areas they allow for the
passage of food around the teeth sopassage of food around the teeth so
that food is not forced into the contactthat food is not forced into the contact
area between the teetharea between the teeth..
 These embrasures or spillways areThese embrasures or spillways are
named for their locations in relation tonamed for their locations in relation to
the contact areathe contact area..

EMBRASURES
FACIAL
Or Buccal
LINGUAL
OCCLUSAL or
INCISAL
GINGIVAL
TYPES OF EMBRASURESTYPES OF EMBRASURES
CERVICAL

Facial
embrasure
Gingival
embrasurewww.indiandentalacademy.comwww.indiandentalacademy.com

 In posterior region the papilla may be shapedIn posterior region the papilla may be shaped
like a mountain range with facial and linguallike a mountain range with facial and lingual
peaks and the col lying beneath the contactpeaks and the col lying beneath the contact
area, thisarea, this colcol ,(a central faciolingual concave,(a central faciolingual concave
area beneath thearea beneath the contact)contact)
 It is more vulnerable to periodontalIt is more vulnerable to periodontal
diseases .diseases .
 It is covered by nonkeretinized epithelium.It is covered by nonkeretinized epithelium.
What is col…?What is col…?

Relation between interdentalRelation between interdental
papillae and colpapillae and col

EMBRASURE FORMEMBRASURE FORM
 IMPROPERIMPROPER
EMBRASURE FORM…EMBRASURE FORM…
results in unhealthyresults in unhealthy
gingiva due to lack ofgingiva due to lack of
stimulation.stimulation.
 GOODGOOD embrasure form…embrasure form…
healthy gingiva…due tohealthy gingiva…due to
adequte stimulation.adequte stimulation.

Functions of embrasuresFunctions of embrasures
 1) Allow food to be shunted away from1) Allow food to be shunted away from
contact areas … thus keep food from beingcontact areas … thus keep food from being
packed between them.packed between them.
 2) Reduce forces of occlusal trauma .. on the2) Reduce forces of occlusal trauma .. on the
teeth-they dissipate and reduce occlusalteeth-they dissipate and reduce occlusal
forces.forces.
 3) Permit slight amount of stimulation to the3) Permit slight amount of stimulation to the
gingiva by frictional massage of food while atgingiva by frictional massage of food while at
the same time protecting the gingiva fromthe same time protecting the gingiva from
undue traumaundue trauma..

Hazards of faulty reproductionHazards of faulty reproduction
of the physio- anatomicalof the physio- anatomical
featuresfeatures
of the teeth in restotrartionsof the teeth in restotrartions

1)1)Creating a contact too broad buco- linguallyCreating a contact too broad buco- lingually
or occluso- gingivallyor occluso- gingivally
 Change the anatomy ofChange the anatomy of
the tooththe tooth
 And broaden theAnd broaden the
interdental colinterdental col
Broad contact area..patient not
able to clean
Microbial plaque accumalation
Papilla…..inflamed and edematouswww.indiandentalacademy.comwww.indiandentalacademy.com

2)2) Creating a contact too narrow buccoCreating a contact too narrow bucco
-lingually-lingually
 Changes the normalChanges the normal
anatomyanatomy
 Will allow verticalWill allow vertical
/horizontal impaction of/horizontal impaction of
food ….on delicatefood ….on delicate
nonkeratinised epithelialnonkeratinised epithelial
col areacol area
More plaque accumulation
Caries and periodontal diseaseswww.indiandentalacademy.comwww.indiandentalacademy.com

3)3) Contact area placed too occlusallyContact area placed too occlusally
Results in a flattened
marginal ridge
At the expense of the
occlusal emberasure

4)4) Contact area placed too bucally orContact area placed too bucally or
linguallylingually
 Flattened restorationFlattened restoration
At the expense of the buccal
or lingual embrasures

5)5) Contact area placed too gingivallyContact area placed too gingivally
Increases depth of the
occlusal embrasure
Broadening or impingement
of the interdental col

6)6) Loose or open contactsLoose or open contacts
Creates continuity of the occlusal
and gingival embrasure with
eachother and with the
interdental col
Allows impaction of food
Accumulation of bacterial plaque
Periodontal problems

•Food impaction / retention
•Gingival recession
•Gingival inflammation
•Fractured restoration
•Faculty occlusion -> distal migration of untreated tooth
•Gingival irritation
•Periodontal complication -> acute abscess or bone loss.
•Shifting of teeth (mesial drift).
Open contacts..clinical findingsOpen contacts..clinical findings

Open contacts lead to bone loss..Open contacts lead to bone loss..
 These defects in theThese defects in the
contact area will allowcontact area will allow
for the impaction offor the impaction of
food and thefood and the
accumulation ofaccumulation of
bacterial plaques, withbacterial plaques, with
accompanyingaccompanying
periodontal andperiodontal and
caries problems.caries problems. www.indiandentalacademy.comwww.indiandentalacademy.com

Marginal ridgesMarginal ridges

Marginal ridgeMarginal ridge
MARGINAL RIDGEMARGINAL RIDGE
are those rounded borders of enamel thatare those rounded borders of enamel that
forms the mesial and distal margins offorms the mesial and distal margins of
the occlusal surfaces of molars and prethe occlusal surfaces of molars and pre
molars ,and the mesial and distal marginsmolars ,and the mesial and distal margins
of the lingual surfaces of incisors andof the lingual surfaces of incisors and
canines.canines.

MARGINAL RIDGES.MARGINAL RIDGES.
 Marginal ridge formed in two planesMarginal ridge formed in two planes
bucco-lingually, meeting at a very obtusebucco-lingually, meeting at a very obtuse
angle.angle.
 Essential when an opposing functionalEssential when an opposing functional
cusp occludes with the marginal ridge.cusp occludes with the marginal ridge.

 Forces 1 and 2, acting on twoForces 1 and 2, acting on two
adjacent marginal ridges, ...adjacent marginal ridges, ...
have their horizontalhave their horizontal
components, 1H and 2H drivecomponents, 1H and 2H drive
thethe twotwo teeth towards eachteeth towards each
other, thus preventing anyother, thus preventing any
impaction proximally, THUS…impaction proximally, THUS…
 maintaining the mesio-distalmaintaining the mesio-distal
dimension of dentaldimension of dental arch andarch and
 anchoring teeth against eachanchoring teeth against each
other.other.

Marginal ridgesMarginal ridges
 Absence of a marginal ridge,Absence of a marginal ridge,
force 1 will be directed towardforce 1 will be directed toward
the proximal surface of thethe proximal surface of the
adjacent toothadjacent tooth
 1H and 2H, the horizontal1H and 2H, the horizontal
components of forces 1 and 2,components of forces 1 and 2,
will tend to drive the two teethwill tend to drive the two teeth
away from each other.away from each other.
1) Absenceof amarginal ridgein restoration

 Meanwhile, the verticalMeanwhile, the vertical
components, 1V and 2V, cancomponents, 1V and 2V, can
impact food and other intra-impact food and other intra-
oral materials interproximally.oral materials interproximally.

 Exaggerating theExaggerating the
occlusal embrasure willocclusal embrasure will
direct forces 1 and 2direct forces 1 and 2
toward the adjacenttoward the adjacent
proximal surfaces, withproximal surfaces, with
the horizontalthe horizontal
components, 1H andcomponents, 1H and
2H, separating the teeth2H, separating the teeth
2)2) Marginal ridge with an exaggerated occlusalMarginal ridge with an exaggerated occlusal
embrasureembrasure

 The vertical components,The vertical components,
1V and 2V, driving debris1V and 2V, driving debris
interproximally.interproximally.

 Constructing a restoration withConstructing a restoration with
marginal ridge higher than themarginal ridge higher than the
adjacent one, will allow forceadjacent one, will allow force
A to work on the proximalA to work on the proximal
surface of the restoration.surface of the restoration.
3) Adjacent marginal ridgesnot compatiblein height

 Horizontal component, AH,Horizontal component, AH,
will drive restored toothwill drive restored tooth
away from the contactingaway from the contacting
toothtooth
 Vertical component willVertical component will
drive debris interproximallydrive debris interproximally

 Even in the presence ofEven in the presence of
force B, with itsforce B, with its
horizontal componenthorizontal component
acting on the adjacentacting on the adjacent
marginal ridge, there willmarginal ridge, there will
be some separation ofbe some separation of
teeth as the surfaceteeth as the surface
hold for force B is toohold for force B is too
small to counteract thatsmall to counteract that
of force A.of force A.

 By constructing aBy constructing a
restoration withrestoration with
marginal ridge lowermarginal ridge lower
than the adjacent onethan the adjacent one
the same thing willthe same thing will
occur, but the majoroccur, but the major
movement will be inmovement will be in
the non-restoredthe non-restored
tooth.tooth.

4)4) A marginal ridgewith no adjacent triangularA marginal ridgewith no adjacent triangular
fossafossa
•Here there are no occlusal planes
in the marginal ridge for occlusal
forces to act.
•So no horizotal components to
drive the tooth towards
eachother.
•Vertical force will tend to impact
food interproximally

5) A marginal ridgewith no occlusal embrasure.5) A marginal ridgewith no occlusal embrasure.
•Here two adjacent marginal ridges
will act like a tweezer, grasping food
substance passing over it.
•Though debris will not be forced
proximally here.
•It will be very difficult to
remove once its trapped,

6) One-planed marginal ridge in the bucco-6) One-planed marginal ridge in the bucco-
lingual directionlingual direction
•Normally marginal ridges have facial and
lingual inclines
•Therfore making them one plane will
create permature contacts during static
and functional occlusion
•Here..1)it increases depth of the adjacent
triangular fossa magnifying stress in
that area.
2)it will also increase ht of marginal
ridge in the centre making it
susceptible to the horizontal forces.
3)it will also deflect food away from the
normal embrasure.www.indiandentalacademy.comwww.indiandentalacademy.com

7)7) A thin marginal ridge in its mesio distal bulkA thin marginal ridge in its mesio distal bulk
 Susceptible toSusceptible to
fracture orfracture or
deformation leadingdeformation leading
to faulty marginalto faulty marginal
ridge.ridge.

8)8) Marginal ridge not compatible in dimension orMarginal ridge not compatible in dimension or
locationlocation
 AS the marginal ridge is aAS the marginal ridge is a
very important part of thevery important part of the
occludingoccluding
anatomy..marginal ridgeanatomy..marginal ridge
should have the sameshould have the same
occlusal pattern thatocclusal pattern that
dictates thedictates the
shape,locations andshape,locations and
interrealtionships of theinterrealtionships of the
rest of the occludingrest of the occluding
components.components.

Marginal ridge with these specification isMarginal ridge with these specification is
essential for the balance of the teeth inessential for the balance of the teeth in
the arch, ……the arch, ……
 1) Preventing the food impaction1) Preventing the food impaction
proximally,proximally,
 2) The protection of the periodontium,2) The protection of the periodontium,
 3) The prevention of recurrent and3) The prevention of recurrent and
contact decay,contact decay,
 4) Helping in efficient mastication4) Helping in efficient mastication..
Thus ……..

THANK- YOUTHANK- YOU

Thank you
For more details please visit
www.indiandentalacademy.com

Contatcs and contours/ esthetic dentistry programs

Recommended

Recommended

More Related Content

What's hot

What's hot (20)

Viewers also liked

Viewers also liked (10)

Similar to Contatcs and contours/ esthetic dentistry programs

Similar to Contatcs and contours/ esthetic dentistry programs (20)

More from Indian dental academy

More from Indian dental academy (20)

Contatcs and contours/ esthetic dentistry programs