interproximal space
Pronunciation: /ˌɪntə.ˈprɒk.sɪ.məl/
The area between adjacent teeth, encompassing the contact point, embrasure, and any open space that must be accurately reproduced in a restoration.
Full Definition
The interproximal space is the region between two adjacent teeth, which includes the contact area (where teeth touch), the embrasures (the triangular spaces above and below the contact point), and the interdental papilla in the gingival embrasure. In dental laboratory fabrication, correct interproximal space design is essential to ensure natural-looking emergence profiles, adequate plaque control, and physiological gingival support. Restorations that are too broad collapse the interproximal space and cause gingival trauma, while those too narrow create open contacts that allow food impaction. Editors should not use 'interproximal space' interchangeably with 'contact area'; the latter is a subset of the former.
Usage
Usage note: 'Interproximal space' describes the full region between adjacent teeth. Do not reduce to 'contact' (which is only the touching point) or 'embrasure' (which is specifically the triangular open region). Hyphenate as an attributive adjective: 'interproximal-space design.'
In Context
- "The laboratory report noted that the interproximal space between the lateral incisor crown and the canine was insufficiently wide, risking papilla impingement." — Quality Assessment Report
- "Designing adequate interproximal space is essential for patient hygiene access between implant-supported restorations." — Technical Instruction Manual