Proclination
Pronunciation: proh-klin-AY-shun
The forward inclination of the incisor teeth relative to their supporting bone or to a defined cephalometric reference plane.
Full Definition
Proclination describes a labial (forward) tipping of incisor crowns and is the opposite of retroclination. In cephalometric analysis it is quantified as the angle between the long axis of the incisor and a reference plane (e.g., the upper incisor to maxillary plane angle, or UI to MxPl). Editors should note that proclination refers specifically to angular inclination, whereas labial displacement refers to a bodily movement; these must not be conflated. The term may be qualified as 'upper incisor proclination' or 'lower incisor proclination'. When editing cephalometric reports, ensure numerical values are accompanied by their reference norms and standard deviations.
Usage
Usage note: Distinguish from 'retroclination' (backward tipping) and from bodily labial displacement; always include the reference norm when reporting angular values.
In Context
- "Cephalometric analysis confirmed upper incisor proclination of 120°, exceeding the norm of 109° ± 6°." — Cephalometric analysis report
- "The treatment objective was to reduce lower incisor proclination while maintaining the overjet." — Treatment objectives document