So, what do we do about it? If vectors of force can cause unwanted movement to the distal, opposite vectors of force can guide movement to the mesial, thus closing the interproximal contact and correcting the problem.Р”Р‡igure 3. But this phenomenon most often occurs after a restoration, especially a crown. We even see this with virgin teeth, simply because of normal wear of the teeth that creates changes in vectors of force, and the domino effect can happen here, too. Before you know it, there is a space between teeth (Figure 2) collecting food and creating an unhappy patient. The tooth moves a few microns, bringing into effect another occlusal contact that creates a vector of force, perhaps causing the tooth to move a few microns distally, which creates yet another vector of force (Figure 1). However, there are rare times where a РІР‚Сљdomino effectРІР‚Сњ will occur. The mesial and distal vectors are now equal and cancel each other out (tooth is now stable at the unwanted distalized position). The distal vectors on this lower second molar will cause distal movement, and an opening between first and second molar.Р”Р‡igure 2. Normally, this movement is scant and meaningless, in that the tooth appears to maintain its position without problem.Р”Р‡igure 1. Regardless of the method of determination of occlusion during crown fabrication and crown seating, there will be at least some movement of the tooth over the succeeding weeks and months. The sum total of these vectors of force will determine if a tooth migrates or not. In addition, the topography of the occlusal surfaces of teeth, when maxillary opposes mandibular, creates vectors of force in various directions (Figures 1 and 2). We know that teeth move when we consider successful orthodontic procedures. This article describes a simple, noninvasive method to close interproximal spaces and eliminate food entrapment using an occlusal adjustment technique. Do you replace the crown on the second molar and close the contact? Or perhaps place a DO class II restoration on the first molar to close the contact? There is an easier, less invasive way. What do you do when a patient has an unwanted interproximal space between first and second molars, creating a food trap? Occasionally this problem will occur after placing a crown on the second molar. Is there a history of crown and bridge? Maybe-maybe not.

Or, maybe youРІР‚в„ўre seeing a patient for the first time, and the patient tells you of a food entrapment between posterior molars. You know that the space was closed when you inserted the crown.

14 or 15)? I get all kinds of food stuck in there every time I eat. You see a patient for a periodic examination, and the patient says, РІР‚СљYou know that crown you made for me up here (pointing to the crown on tooth Nos.

Open dental contact