Retroclination
Pronunciation: ret-roh-klin-AY-shun
The backward (palatal or lingual) inclination of the incisor teeth relative to their supporting bone or a cephalometric reference plane.
Full Definition
Retroclination is the directional opposite of proclination and describes incisors tipped lingually or palatally from their ideal axial inclination. In clinical records it is most commonly reported for the upper incisors (e.g., reduced UI to MxPl angle) and is associated with Class II division 2 malocclusion. Editors must be careful not to use 'retroclined' and 'retruded' interchangeably: retroclination is an angular change, whereas retrusion implies a positional change. The term may also apply to lower incisors in certain extraction cases or in Class III camouflage. Ensure numerical cephalometric values are consistent with the directional descriptor.
Usage
Usage note: Do not conflate with 'retrusion'; retroclination is angular, retrusion is positional. Specify the arch (upper/lower) in all clinical contexts.
In Context
- "The upper incisors were retroclined at 95°, consistent with a Class II division 2 incisor relationship." — Cephalometric analysis report
- "Retroclination of the lower incisors was intentional and documented as part of Class III camouflage treatment." — End-of-treatment summary