A Study of Anterior Guidance

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%. 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 contacted 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.     

Assessment of root curvature and distance using computed tomography

The safety and efficacy of subgingival root surface instrumentation may be enhanced by optimized adaptation between instrument and treated surface. Thus, detailed knowledge of root geometry may allow advances in instrument design. The aim of this study was therefore to measure root radii of various tooth types as well as distances between tooth roots using computed tomography. Two hundred sixteen teeth in eight patients were studied, with cross sections of teeth at the level of the cemento-enamel junction (CEJ) being regarded as ellipses. The maximum radii of ellipses were calculated and averaged for each tooth surface within various tooth groups. In addition, the spacing between roots at CEJ level and 5 mm below the CEJ was measured. Mean radii varied from 1.09+/-0.50 mm (lower incisor, lingual) to 13.7+/-0.96 mm (upper molar, mesial). Radii of 1 mm to 6 mm were most frequently found at buccal, palatal, and lingual surfaces, whereas the majority of radii were between 2 mm and 11 mm at mesial and distal sites. Root distance varied between 1.04+/-0.49 mm (lower incisors, CEJ level) and 2.81+/-1.70 mm (lower molars, 5 mm below CEJ). The curvature of an instrument for root surface instrumentation should correspond to a radius of at least 11 mm to achieve maximum adaptation to the treated surface, and the width of the working end should be less than 1 mm to allow sufficient interdental instrumentation.     

附件对隐形矫治器内收上前牙影响的三维有限元分析

目的    通过拔除上颌第一前磨牙后前牙内收的隐形矫治三维有限元模型,分析切牙上设置附件对牙齿移动方式的影响。方法    基于1例成年患者颌骨的锥形束CT影像数据,按照切牙上有无附件,构建4组拔除第一前磨牙的上颌隐形矫治模型,分别为切牙无附件组、侧切牙单附件组、中切牙单附件组和双附件组;导入Ansys Workbench三维有限元软件,设置4个上切牙控根压入内收的隐形矫治过程,分析牙列初始位移和附件的应力分布。结果    切牙无附件组及中切牙单附件组均发生4个切牙的舌向倾斜移动,后牙产生不同程度的近中倾斜移动,尖牙近中倾斜伴有伸长;侧切牙单附件组及双附件组切牙呈整体内收压入移动趋势,切牙附件的龈方可观测到压应力集中。结论    隐形矫治内收上前牙时,在侧切牙放置附件有助于切牙整体内收的表达,而中切牙附件对牙移动方式的影响较小。     

Resorption of incisors after ectopic eruption of maxillary canines: a CT study

The purpose of the study was to analyze the extent and prevalence of resorption of maxillary incisors after ectopic eruption of the maxillary canines in a sample of subjects referred to an orthodontic specialist clinic for consultation. The subjects consisted of 107 children, 39 boys and 68 girls, between 9 and 15 years of age (mean 12.5 years), with 156 ectopically and 58 normally erupting maxillary canines. All children were subjected to a basic clinical and intraoral radiographic investigation. These radiographs were supplemented with computerized tomography (CT) of the upper alveolar bones in order to get more precise information on the positions and relationships between the maxillary canines and adjacent incisors and to evaluate resorptions on the roots of the incisors. The results showed that, relative to the roots of the adjacent incisors, the crowns of 21% the ectopically positioned canines were located to the buccal, 18% to the distobuccal, 27% to the lingual, 23% to the distolingual, 5% apically and 6% between the central and lateral incisors. Ninety-three percent of the ectopically positioned canines were in contact with the roots of the adjacent lateral incisor and 19% were in contact with the central incisor. The corresponding figures for the normally erupting canines were 49%. Resorptions on the roots of the incisors adjacent to the ectopically positioned canine occurred in 38% of the laterals and in 9% of the centrals. The resorptions were graded and tended to be extensive. Among the 58 resorbed lateral incisors, resorptions were slight in 31%, moderate in 9%, and severe with pulpal involvement in 60%. The corresponding figures for the 14 resorbed centrals were 36%, 21%, and 43%, respectively. About 60% of the resorptions involved the middle and apical thirds, the tip of the apex not included. On the sides with normally erupting canines, 3 lateral maxillary incisors were slightly or moderately resorbed distally. In all, 51 of the 107 subjects with ectopically erupting maxillary canines (48%) had resorbed maxillary incisors during the eruption of the maxillary canines. There were statistically significant correlations between ectopic eruption of the maxillary canine, contacts between the teeth and resorptions on the adjacent incisors. It was concluded that resorption on maxillary incisors after ectopic eruption of the maxillary canines is a more common phenomenon than previously reported and has to be considered in all cases with seriously diverging eruption of maxillary canines. It was also concluded that the resorptions of the roots of the incisors were caused by pressure during the eruption of the adjacent, aberrant canine. Finally, it was shown that CT scanning substantially increased the detection of root resorptions on incisors adjacent to ectopically erupting maxillary canines (about 50%). The sensitivity of intraoral films was low when diagnosing the resorptions, being calculated to 0.68.     

Anterior tooth morphology and its effect on torque

This study was undertaken to determine the variation in crown-root angle (CRA) of the upper incisors and canines as well as the variation in their labial contour. In addition, the influence of the variability of the labial contour and of different bracket heights on torque was evaluated. Proximal radiographs were taken of 160 extracted maxillary teeth (81 incisors and 79 canines). They were digitized and analysed with Jasc Paint Shop Pro 7TM and Mathcad 2001 Professional. The incisal edge, the centre of the cemento-enamel junction (CEJ), and the root apex were digitized to define the crown and root long axis. For all teeth the CRA was measured. At several heights of the labial surface a tangent was determined, enabling measurement of the inclination of the labial surface.The CRA had great variability, ranging from 167 to 195 degrees for the canines (mean value 183 degrees) and from 171 to 195 degrees for the incisors (average 184 degrees). The mean inclinations of the labial surfaces for the incisors varied greatly. Between 4 and 4.5 mm from the incisal edge the standard deviations (SD) were the smallest and between 2 and 4.5 mm from the incisal edge the labial surface angle differed by approximately 10 degrees. For the canines the mean inclinations of the buccal surface also varied. This angle differed by around 10 degrees between 2 and 4.5 mm from the incisal edge, but the SD were much larger than for the incisors.It can be concluded that placement of a bracket on a tooth at varying heights, still within a clinically acceptable range, results in important differences in the amount of root torque.     

Mesiodistal root angulation of permanent teeth in children with mixed dentition and normal occlusion

Objective

There is little information regarding the mesiodistal angulation of permanent teeth in mixed dentition. The aim of this study was to evaluate mesiodistal root angulation of permanent incisors, canines and first molars of 100 Brazilian children, using a new horizontal reference plane based on the midpoint of the intercuspation of primary canines and permanent first molars in panoramic radiographs during the mixed-dentition phase.

Material and methods

Children were equally divided between the genders with a mean age of 8.9 years (SD=0.76), normal occlusion and no eruptive disturbances.

Results

The angulation of the permanent maxillary first molars was close to the vertical, whereas the mandibular molars presented approximately 25 degrees of distal root angulation. The maxillary canines were the most distally angulated teeth, whereas the permanent mandibular canines were vertically positioned. The evaluation of the anterior maxillary area showed vertical position of permanent lateral, and central incisors with a slight distal angulation, whereas the permanent mandibular incisors tended to a mesial radicular convergence.

Conclusions

The proposed reference line could be useful in mixed dentition root angulation evaluation; there was a slight asymmetry in the mesiodistal angulation among homologous teeth, and also a small variation between the male and the female groups, but no difference between 8-and 10-year-old children.     

Bone level around endodontically treated teeth in periodontitis patients

Objectives: This retrospective study compared the marginal bone level of teeth with root canal fillings with contra‐lateral teeth without. Methods: Of 286 consecutive patients (35 years), referred to practice for periodontology in the Netherlands, 67 full sets of radiographs contained 1 endodontically treated tooth and its contra‐lateral tooth without root canal treatment. Bone level at the mesial and distal of these teeth was scored from the CEJ. In multi‐rooted teeth, the presence of interradicular radiolucency was assessed. The presence of posts, and periapical radiolucencies was assessed. Analysis for differences between treated teeth and contra‐laterals was controlled for tooth surface, presence of a post and tooth type. Results: The mean distance from the root filling to the apex was 2.6 mm. Periapical radiolucencies were found in 14%. The mean bone level was at 4.3 mm for endodontically treated teeth and at 3.7 mm for contra‐laterals. Significantly more bone loss (0.6 mm) was found at the endodontically treated teeth. No difference was found between mesial and distal, teeth without and with posts and different tooth types. The presence of interradicular radiolucency was more frequent in endodontically treated teeth (OR 2.1, p_{(McNemar test)}=0.039). Conclusion: In periodontitis patients, teeth with endodontic treatment had more bone loss as compared with untreated contralaterals.     

Morphometric study of length and grooves of maxillary lateral incisor roots

OBJECTIVE: Root grooves are considered a risk factor for periodontal disease. The purpose of this study was to measure the length of the root of maxillary lateral incisors (MLI), as well as the width and depth of the concavities of their proximal surfaces, and also to determine the prevalence of palato-gingival grooves. METHODS: the width and depth of root concavities, as well as root length were evaluated in 73 MLI. All teeth were measured using a digital contour measuring instrument for the root grooves and a caliper for evaluating root length. RESULTS: After statistical analysis (p<0.05) it was possible to confirm: the mean root length on its mesial surface was (15.47+/-1.72 mm), on its distal surface (14.99+/-1.70 mm), on its buccal surface (13.10+/-1.69 mm) and on its lingual surface (12.71+/-1.53 mm); concavities were present in 100% of the samples; concavities were found 2mm, coronally from the CEJ, at the CEJ, and apically up to 8mm; the concavities were wider than deeper; on the mesial surface, the greatest width was (1.05 mm) and the greatest depth was (0.06 mm) both at the CEJ; 5) on the distal surface the greatest width was (0.73 mm) at 6mm apically from the CEJ and the greatest depth was (0.003 mm); the palato-gingival groove was observed in 9.58% of the samples. CONCLUSIONS: The mesial surface of the maxillary lateral incisor is the longest. The root concavities on the proximal surfaces are present in 100%. One must get acquainted to the morphological variations of roots to enhance diagnosis and treatment.     

Relationship between palatoradicular grooves and localized periodontitis

Abstract A total of 404 maxillary lateral and central incisors were examined in a group of 101 individuals comprising 64 males and 37 females for the presence of palatoradicular groove (PRG). The methods used to document the presence of PRO situated at or apical to the cemento-enamel junction (CEJ) included clinical probing, flap operation and inspection with the aid of an enlarging oral mirror. PRGs were classified by location in the mesial, distal and midpalatal areas of affected teeth. The plaque index (PII), gingival index (GI) and probing pocket depth (PPD) were recorded on the lingual aspect of the teeth examined. Those PRG with initial PPDs of mm and located at or apical to the CEJ were counted as PRG with PPD. The difference in the PRG location for teeth with and without PPDs was analyzed via the φ² test. The relationship between the presence of a PRG and the patients periodontal health and plaque accumulation were analyzed using the t-test. Results are summarized as follows: (1) the proportional test showed statistical non-significance amongst the sexes; (2) PRGs were greatest in the maxillary lateral incisors when compared to the central incisors; few patients had PRGs in both the maxillary and central incisors; (3) PRGs were most often located in the midpalatal part of affected teeth as opposed to the mesial or distal area; however, more distal and mesial PRGs were associated with PPDs when compared to centrally situated PRGs; (4) a direct statistical relationship was established between the depth, location of PRGs and the GI, P1I and development of PPDs in affected teeth.     

Root curvature: differences among dental morphotypes and modifications after mechanical instrumentation

BACKGROUND: This study was designed to describe a method for measuring root curvature of extracted teeth, compare root curvature of four different dental morphotypes before mechanical instrumentation, and measure root curvature after mechanical instrumentation. METHODS: Fifty-five maxillary (14 central incisors, 13 lateral incisors, 14 cuspids, 14 premolars) extracted teeth were analyzed. Measurements were recorded on the horizontal plane at the most apical point of the cemento-enamel junction (CEJ). A 4 mm wide root portion on the buccal aspect was selected and recorded on this plane. A digital scanner traced the circle coinciding with the profile of this root portion and calculated its radius, arc, chord, and arrow (i.e., the perpendicular bisector of the chord). Since root curvature is the inverse of the radius (1/r), the radius was related to root curvature; the arc to the mesio-distal dimension of the root portion; and the reduction of the arrow to root flattening after mechanical instrumentation. The measurements were recorded four times: before treatment (baseline), after polishing, after a first root planing, and after a second root planing. The radii of each dental morphotype (upper central incisors, upper lateral incisors, upper canines, upper premolars) recorded in the first measurement were calculated and used for the statistical analyses: one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) test and the Tukey multiple comparison method were used to study the curvature. The measurements of the radius, the arc, and the arrow at the four times were used for the statistical analyses: the two-way ANOVA test and the Tukey multiple comparison method were applied in the study of the root modifications after mechanical instrumentation. The accuracy and reliability of the method were also evaluated. RESULTS: The mean radii of the four dental morphotypes were: central incisors: 3.613 +/- 0.258 mm; lateral incisors: 2.558 +/- 0.256 mm; canines: 2.822 +/- 0.238 mm; and premolars: 2.321 +/- 0.179 mm. The statistical analyses revealed differences among central incisors, canines, lateral incisors, and premolars. There was no statistically significant difference between lateral incisors and premolars. Regarding the root modifications after mechanical treatment, the radius did not show statistically significant differences in any of the comparisons. The arc and the arrow did not show significant differences between baseline and polishing, while they did show significant differences after the second root planing. CONCLUSIONS: This study indicates that: 1) the method of measuring is accurate and reliable; 2) there are statistically significant differences among the root curvatures of different dental morphotypes; and 3) polishing did not modify the root. A vigorous root planing did not modify root curvature, but it did reduce the mesio-distal dimension and flatten the root surface slightly.     

Anatomic crown width/length ratios of unworn and worn maxillary teeth in white subjects

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Dimensions of teeth have been available for a century. Some significant and clinically relevant aspects of dental esthetics, however, such as the crown width/length ratios, have not been presented in tooth morphology sources until recently. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to analyze the anatomic crowns of 4 tooth groups (central incisors, lateral incisors, canines, and first premolars) of the maxillary dentition with respect to width, length and width/length ratios and determine how these parameters are influenced by the incisal edge wear. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Standardized digital images of 146 extracted human maxillary anterior teeth from white subjects (44 central incisors, 41 lateral incisors, 38 canines, 23 first premolars) were used to measure the widest mesiodistal portion "W" (in millimeters) and the longest inciso-cervical/occluso-cervical distance "L" (in millimeters). The width/length ratio "R" (%) was calculated for each tooth. A 1-way analysis of variance was used to compare the mean values of W, L, and R for the different groups ("unworn" and "worn" subgroups, except for premolars). Multiple least significant difference range tests (confidence level 95%) were then applied to determine which means differed statistically from others. RESULTS: There was no influence of the incisal wear on the average value of W (width) within the same tooth group. The widest crowns were those of central incisors (9.10 to 9.24 mm) > canines (7.90 to 8.06 mm) > lateral incisors (7.07 to 7.38 mm). Premolars (7.84 mm) had similar width as canines and worn lateral incisors. The L-value was logically influenced by incisal wear (worn teeth were shorter than unworn teeth) except for lateral incisors. The longest crowns were those of unworn central incisors (11.69 mm) > unworn canines (10.83 mm) and worn central incisors (10.67 mm) > worn canines (9.90), worn and unworn lateral incisors (9.34 to 9.55 mm), and premolars (9.33 mm). Width/length ratios also showed significant differences. The highest values were found for worn central incisors (87%) and premolars (84%). The latter were also similar to worn canines (81%), which constituted a homogeneous group with worn lateral incisors (79%) and unworn central incisors (78%). The lowest ratios were found for unworn canines and unworn lateral incisors (both showing 73%). CONCLUSIONS: Along with other specific and objective parameters related to dental esthetics, average values for W (mesiodistal crown dimension), L (inciso-cervical crown dimension), and R (width/length ratio) given in this study for white subjects may serve as guidelines for treatment planning in restorative dentistry and periodontal surgery.     

Incisor root resorptions due to ectopic maxillary canines imaged by computerized tomography: a comparative study in extracted teeth

The purpose of the study was to analyze the ability of computerized tomography (CT) scanning to discriminate maxillary incisor root resorptions caused by ectopically erupting canines. Seventeen maxillary incisors were radiographed in vivo by CT scanning. Contiguous transverse CT scans with a slice thickness of 2 mm were exposed perpendicular to the long axis of the lateral incisors and through the crown of the adjacent, ectopically positioned maxillary canine. Each scan was analyzed and the resorptions on the roots of the laterals were graded according to the maximum depth of the cavity. After the lateral incisors were extracted they were clinically inspected, photographed in different light settings and views, and probed at the contact area between the laterals and the canines. The assessment of the extent of resorption in 4 stages on the CT images compared with the in vitro observations of the extracted roots showed a high degree of agreement for the extent of loss of root substance for all teeth. We conclude that CT scanning performed with good technique accurately reveals tooth root resorption. The presence and influence of the inherent artifacts of tooth root resorption on CT scans are discussed.     

Tooth anomalies associated with failure of eruption of first and second permanent molars

The occurrence of tooth anomalies in association with failure of the first and second molars to erupt was assessed in a sample of 1520 nonsyndromic subjects with uncrowded dental arches (mean age, 14 years 4 months) and compared with the prevalence rate calculated in a matched control group of 1000 subjects. The tooth anomalies examined included infraocclusion of deciduous molars, palatal displacement of maxillary canines, rotation of maxillary lateral incisors, aplasia of second premolars, and small size of maxillary lateral incisors. Associations among arrested eruption of first and second permanent molars and anomalies in tooth eruption and position (infraoccluded deciduous molars, palatally displaced canines, rotated maxillary lateral incisors) were highly significant (P <. 001). No significant association was found among the occurrence of molar eruption disturbances, aplasia of premolars, and small-sized laterals. These findings point to a common biologic cause for the appearance of failure of eruption of molar teeth and other disturbances in tooth eruption and position, most likely under genetic influence.     

滑动法关闭下颌拔牙间隙的力学行为有限元分析

目的模拟临床加载力系统,研究滑动法内收下前牙过程中,不同方向载荷作用下,牙及弓丝力学行为的变化。方法建立含有托槽、弓丝、前后牙牵引钩的下牙列及下颌骨有限元模型。连接前后牵引钩上的点来确定矫治力的方向。并通过改变牵引钩高度来改变矫治力的作用点和方向。分析计算每一组加载力对牙的三维瞬间移动趋势、牙周膜的单元应力、弓丝的节点最大位移。结果前后牵引钩高度的变化与各牙角位移及牙周膜应力间均有相关性(P<0.01),各牙在不同后牙牵引钩高度,均随着前牙牵引钩高度变化而产生不同的移动。①随着前牙牵引钩高度的增加,中切牙、侧切牙的移动趋势逐渐由近中舌侧倾斜变为近中唇侧倾斜;而尖牙则向远中舌侧倾斜;第二前磨牙由近中颊侧倾斜变为近中舌侧倾斜;第一磨牙则由近中舌侧倾斜变为远中舌侧倾斜,且近中根比远中根舌向倾斜角度要大。②全牙弓牙周膜的最大应力始终出现在侧切牙的唇侧根尖1/3处;而尖牙、第一磨牙的牙周膜最大应力分别集中在牙槽嵴顶、根分叉处。结论在临床治疗中,可通过改变牵引钩的高度来实现前后牙的不同移动趋势,在弓丝上弯制不同的序列以更好地控制支抗牙。     

锥形束CT对微螺钉前牙根间植入区骨量的分析

目的 通过对微螺钉种植支抗前牙根间植入区骨量进行三维测量分析,为前牙根间植入位点的选择提供参考.方法 对36名成人患者的上、下颌前牙区行锥形束CT扫描及三维重建,分别测量U/L11(上/下颌中切牙根间),U/L12(上/下颌中切牙和相邻侧切牙根间),U/L23(上/下颌侧切牙和相邻尖牙根间)距上、下前牙釉牙骨质界3mm、5 mm、7 mm及9mm水平的根间距(D1)和牙槽骨宽度(D2).采用SPSS 17.0软件进行单因素方差分析和Duncan法进行两两比较.结果 相邻两牙根间最小距离D1:从大到小依次为U11＞U23＞L23＞L11＞U12＞L12,所有牙位越往根尖方向D1越大,其中只有U11,U23分别距离釉牙骨质界5mm和7mm根间距大于3mm,相邻两牙根间唇舌向牙槽骨宽度D2为:U11＞L11,U12＞L12,L23＞U23,不同水平D2值在3.82～6.62mm之间.结论 上、下颌前牙区,上颌中切牙之间及上颌侧切牙和尖牙之间的根间区是植入微种植体较理想的部位.     

400颗上颌前牙根管弯曲情况的研究

目的了解上颌前牙根管弯曲情况。方法采用间接数字化X线成像技术拍摄400颗上颌前牙的近远中向和颊舌向X线影像,分析根管的弯曲情况。结果上颌前牙根管以Ⅰ型为主。上颌中切牙、侧切牙和尖牙只出现近远中向弯曲的比例为11.17%、16.19%、21.43%,只出现唇舌向弯曲的比例为39.59%、40.00%、29.59%,近远中向和唇舌向都存在弯曲的比例为4.60%、35.24%、24.49%。大约50%左右的上颌前牙根管存在中度弯曲;与上颌切牙相比, 上颌尖牙的弯曲度略大而弯曲半径略小。结论上颌前牙根管弯曲情况较复杂,其中以上颌尖牙为甚。充分了解根管的分型、弯曲度和弯曲半径是完善上颌前牙根管治疗的需要。     

上颌中切牙种植修复结合软硬组织增量后的临床和影像学效果初步分析

目的    应用种植同期结合引导性骨再生（guided bone regeneration,GBR）技术及不同软组织处理方式修复缺失的单颗上颌中切牙,评价其软硬组织的增量效果。方法    纳入于2013—2014年就诊于北京大学口腔医院牙周科因单颗上颌中切牙缺失而接受种植治疗的患者6例。所有患者在种植同期行GBR,并接受不同软组织处理方式。最终修复7 ~ 24个月后,记录患者上颌前牙区牙周状况,通过影像学检查定量测量种植体唇侧骨高度及骨壁厚度,利用标准化临床照片,定量测量种植体与对照牙牙龈顶点的位置关系,以及种植体近远中龈乳头高度和充满程度,并应用粉色美学评分（pink esthetic score,PES）评价美学效果。结果    所有种植体在复查时均处于健康稳定的牙周状态。5颗种植体在复查时可观察到垂直向及水平向骨增量,种植体唇侧中央肩台根方2、4、6 mm处平均骨壁厚度分别为（1.7 ± 1.1）mm、（2.3 ± 1.1）mm、（2.2 ± 1.3）mm。种植体牙龈顶点相比对照牙（同颌对侧中切牙）平均更偏向远中（1.0 ± 0.6）mm,偏向根方（0.4 ± 0.8）mm;远中龈乳头平均高度（2.8 ± 0.5）mm和充满程度（76.9 ± 19.2）%低于近中龈乳头［（4.2 ± 0.7）mm,（89.8 ± 11.1）%］,平均PES为（11.5 ± 1.4）分。结论    对于缺牙区存在软硬组织缺损的患者,上颌中切牙种植同期结合GBR及不同软组织处理方式,可获得较为充足的骨增量效果及与对照牙相对协调的软组织形态,一定程度上改善美学效果。     

Variability of calcium and phosphorus concentrations in dental plaque collected from human anterior teeth.

Samples of dental plaque were collected from single interdental spaces on the labial aspect of upper and lower anterior teeth and the calcium and phosphorus concentrations measured in each sample. The significant difference previously reported between concentrations in plaque from upper and lower anterior teeth was confirmed. Despite a trend towards higher concentrations in the midline, no significant difference was found in either calcium or phosphate concentrations in plaque from single upper interdental spaces. In the lower interdental spaces the highest concentrations of calcium and phosphate were found in plaque between central and lateral incisors whereas the lowest concentrations in plaque were between lateral incisors and canines. Only the difference in calcium concentration was statistically significant.