[Comparative studies on the shape of the interproximal surfaces].

Area of Science:

• Dentistry
• Comparative Anatomy
• Zoology

Background:

• Understanding the morphology of interproximal tooth contacts is crucial for dental health and biomechanics.
• Previous research has focused on various aspects of tooth shape and wear, but specific data on lower arch interproximal contact morphology is limited.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate and categorize the shape of interproximal contacts in the lower posterior teeth region.
• To compare human lower teeth contact morphology with interproximal abrasion patterns observed in roe deer.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of interproximal contact shapes in 203 individuals using dental models.
• Categorization of contact types into spheric-plane and punctuous-plane.
• Comparative analysis with existing data on interproximal abrasion in lower premolars and molars of roe deer.

Main Results:

• A spheric-plane contact shape was identified in 74.9% of the studied cases.
• A punctuous-plane contact shape was observed in the remaining 25.1% of cases.
• Significant differences in contact morphology were noted when compared to roe deer abrasion patterns.

Conclusions:

• The predominant interproximal contact shape in the human lower posterior teeth region is spheric-plane.
• The morphological differences highlight distinct evolutionary or functional adaptations between human and roe deer dental attrition.
• Further research could explore the functional implications of these contact shapes on masticatory forces and wear patterns.