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The arrangement of the interproximal interfaces in the human permanent dentition

Clinical Oral Investigations volume 17, pages 731–738 (2013)Cite this article

Abstract

Objectives

The interproximal interface (IPI) is the interface between two adjacent teeth, i.e., the site where forces are transmitted along the dental arch. We investigated the IPI arrangement of the human permanent dentition. Specifically, the IPI morphometrical characteristics were studied and interpreted within a biomechanical framework.

Subjects and methods

A novel in vivo IPI measurement was developed based on diversity in transillumination of Polyvinyl siloxane impression of the interproximal region. The study group included 30 subjects, aged 27, ±4.0 years. Eleven parameters were examined in each of the 26 IPIs of the permanent dentition.

Results

The IPI showed intra-arch similarity and interarch diversity between the tooth groups. The IPI shape was predominantly oval (60–100 %), yet kidney-shaped in some molars (22–40 %). From incisors to molars: the IPI increased significantly (p < 0.001) in size (1.72 to 6.05 mm2), occupied more of the proximal wall (7.8–12 %), changed its orientation from vertical to horizontal (88.66–14.80°), and was mainly located in the buccal–occlusal quadrant of the proximal wall, chiefly in the molar teeth.

Conclusions

The IPI is a product of proximal wall attrition and is dictated by the mastication forces, number of cusps, and crown inclination. IPI arrangement counteracts the adverse crowding effect of the anterior component of the mastication forces.

Clinical relevance

The IPI characteristics found in the present study provide guidelines for crown and proximal filling restorations to meet dental physiology requirements. Further, IPI determines correct tooth alignment and proximal wall stripping applied to resolve arch length deficiency.

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Acknowledgments

We wish to acknowledge the significant contributions of Dr. Beni Lea Department of Orthodontics, Ms. Ana Bahar, Department of Anatomy and Anthropology, and Ms. Ilana Gelernter, Department of Statistics. This study was supported by a grant from Fulbright Program of the United States-Israel Educational Foundation (USIEF), by Dr. Herman Schauder Memorial Endowment Fund of the Sackler Faculty of Medicine Tel Aviv University and the Dan David Foundation.

Conflicts of interest

The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.

Author information

Affiliations

  1. Department of Orthodontics, The Maurice and Gabriela Goldschleger, School of Dental Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, 69978, Israel

    Rachel Sarig, Nikolaos V. Lianopoulos & Alexander D. Vardimon

  2. Department of Anatomy and Anthropology, The Sackler School of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel

    Israel Hershkovitz

Authors
  1. Rachel Sarig
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  2. Nikolaos V. Lianopoulos
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  3. Israel Hershkovitz
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  4. Alexander D. Vardimon
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Alexander D. Vardimon.

Additional information

This paper was based on a thesis submitted by Rachel Sarig for partial fulfillment of the requirements towards a PhD in Anatomy and Anthropology at Tel Aviv University. Additionally, this paper was also based on a thesis submitted by Nikolaos V Lianopoulos as partial fulfillment of the requirements towards a Master in Orthodontics at Tel Aviv University.

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Sarig, R., Lianopoulos, N.V., Hershkovitz, I. et al. The arrangement of the interproximal interfaces in the human permanent dentition. Clin Oral Invest 17, 731–738 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00784-012-0759-4

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00784-012-0759-4

Keywords

  • Interproximal interface
  • Contact area
  • Tooth attrition