Anterior interocclusal relations. Part I.

It is not uncommon for discrepancies in anterior interocclusal arch length to exist in the orthodontic patient. A frequent cause of this problem is a decrease in upper anterior dental arch length. This discrepancy, if left uncorrected, may result in an end-to-end incisal relation whereby the anterior teeth are unable to perform their function in the mutually protected dentition. This article will discuss the following procedures which may be useful in the correction of discrepancies in anterior interocclusal arch length: (1) repositioning of upright maxillary incisors to increase upper dental arch length, (2) mesiodistal enamel reduction to reduce mandibular dental arch length, promote stability, and improve gingival conditions, and (3) treatment of three-mandibular-incisor cases to decrease mandibular dental arch length, allow correction of crowded mandibular anterior teeth, and reduce protrusion of the lower anterior teeth.