Occlusal curves are fundamental geometric concepts in dentistry that describe the various occlusal surfaces and their interactions with each other. One of the most important occlusal curves is the transversal lateral curve. This term comes from the Latin word "transversus", which means transverse, and describes the principle of operation in which the teeth contact each other through parallel planes.
The concept of the transversal occlusal curve plays an important role in the diagnosis and treatment of jaw and dental problems. It allows dentists to better understand the characteristics of occlusion of the upper and lower jaw, and also determines the direction of occlusion of teeth on the body of the dentofacial apparatus. It also makes it possible to determine the degree of inclusion and movement of teeth, and also controls the trajectory of movement and position of teeth in the jaw system.
The transversal occlusal curve can be thought of as a curve that connects all the teeth on the dental arch and is used to measure the dental space. This information can help the dentist determine how closely the teeth are located and how they interact with each other when the mouth opens and closes.
The main method for assessing the occlusal space is to measure the "bite". To ensure that the data obtained is correct, you must use a digital dental tester. Thanks to this device, it is easy to identify the presence of problems in the occlusal area, for example, the depth of the gingival sulcus, bite heights and the amount of free space. This allows the dentist to develop optimal treatment methods and increase the accuracy of the predicted result.
A transversal occlusal curve is used to create two parallel arcs that pass through teeth in frontal occlusion. When the two curves are combined in this way, transversal curves are created that help transfer the lateral forces of the masticatory muscles in the correct direction. This helps prevent tooth protrusion or retrusion and increases strength.