Height of curvature
Height of curvature in the tooth can be defined as the line encircling a tooth at its greatest bulge to a selected path of insertion.
Locations of height of curvature
For the outer surfaces of all teeth, the height of curvature is located in the cervical third of the teeth. In the inner surfaces of anterior teeth, both upper & lower teeth, the height of curvature is also located in the cervical third of the tooth. In the posterior teeth, both in upper and lower jaw, the height of contour is found at the middle third of the inner surface of the tooth. The lower second premolar proposes an exception as its height of curvature in inner surface is located in the occlusal third of the inner surface.
Functions
The height of contours have great functions to oral cavity
- They allow the food to be deflected allowing proper degree of massage to the gingiva.
- They prevent the food of being accumlated at the tooth.
- Holding the gingiva under definite tension.
Mal-developed height of curvature
In case of under-developed curvature, gingival recession may result. In case of overdeveloped curvature, food will accumulate and there will be no massage to the gingiva and chronic inflammation may result.
 |