Embrasure (dentistry)

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 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.

See also

• Angularis Nigra ("black triangle")

References

• Nelson, Stanley J.; Major M. Ash, Jr. (2010). Wheeler's Dental Anatomy, Physiology, and Occlusion (9th ed.). St. Louis, MO: Saunders. ISBN 978-1-4160-6209-7. OCLC 723253410.