Purpose: This study focuses on the curvature and inclination of the lingual surfaces of the maxillary anterior teeth from the transition point on the cingulum to the incisal edge.
Materials and methods: On 32 sets of mounted casts, 768 measurements were made of the curvature of the lingual surfaces utilizing radius gauges. The inclination of the lingual surface relative to the occlusal plane was recorded. The relationship of the incisal edge of the mandibular teeth to the transition point on the cingulum of the maxillary teeth was determined. Centric occlusion contact was noted on each tooth.
Results: Significant differences were found between the measured areas of any one tooth and between the types of teeth. The average radius ranged from 20.5 mm on the mesial ridge of the canine to 5.3 mm in the fossa of the central. The average inclination of the lingual surfaces was 46 degrees. In centric occlusion, 97% of the canines and 59% of the centrals and laterals were in contact with the opposing teeth. These contacts occurred 2.8 mm incisal to the transition point. The centrals contracted two opposing teeth (45%), and canines contacted one opposing tooth (53%).
Conclusions: The function and curvature of the incisor teeth vary considerably from those of the canines. Overcontouring the lingual surfaces of the maxillary incisors to gain contact is not normal and may be detrimental.