Embrasure (dentistry)

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Diagram showing embrasure (red triangle) between maxillary right second bicuspid and maxillary right first molar. Right lateral view. Embrasure dental.jpg
Diagram showing embrasure (red triangle) between maxillary right second bicuspid and maxillary right first molar. Right lateral view.

In dentistry, embrasures are V-shaped valleys between adjacent teeth. They provide a spill way for food to escape during chewing [1] which essentially aids in the self-cleansing process. They also prevent food from being forced through the contact area which might cause food packing and periodontal pain and permit a slight amount of stimulation to the gingiva.

When two teeth in the same arch are in contact, their curvatures adjacent to the contact areas form spillway spaces which are called as embrasures.

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Open contact

An open contact is a term used in dentistry to describe the space between adjacent teeth when the teeth are neither touching nor a sufficient distance from each other to potentially allow the space to naturally remain free of debris.

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Angularis nigra Small triangle-shaped gap which often occurs between the teeth, near the gums

Angularis nigra, Latin for 'black angle', also known as open gingival embrasures, and colloquially known as "black triangle", is the space or gap seen at the cervical embrasure, below the contact point of some teeth. The interdental papilla does not fully enclose the space, leading to an aperture between adjacent teeth. This gap has many causes including gingival recession, and gingival withdrawal post-orthodontic work. Interdental "black triangles" were rated as the third-most-disliked aesthetic problem below caries and crown margins. Treatment of angularis nigra often requires an interdisciplinary approach, involving periodontal, orthodontic and restorative treatment. Possible treatments to correct angularis nigra include addition of composite resin in the space, veneer placement, or gum graft. Angularis nigra is generally only treated based on the aesthetic preference of the patient.

References

  1. "TheFreeDictionary". 2014 Farlex, Inc. Retrieved 13 April 2014.