intercuspidale

Intercuspidale is a term used in dental anatomy and occlusion to describe aspects related to the contacts between the occluding cusps of the upper and lower teeth. It concerns intercuspal contacts, the way cusps from opposing arches meet when the jaws are closed, and the patterns these contacts form on the occlusal surfaces of posterior teeth.

In clinical practice, intercuspidal relationships are central to the concept of maximum intercuspation, also known as the intercuspal position, where the teeth achieve the most complete cusp-to-fossa contact. The term also appears in discussions of intercuspal guidance, which describes how cuspal contacts influence mandibular movement during function and parafunction. These concepts help differentiate intercuspidal contacts from other occlusal relationships, such as incisal guidance or centric relation.

Applications of intercuspidale concepts span restorative dentistry, orthodontics, and prosthodontics. Understanding intercuspidal contacts assists in designing and adjusting crowns, bridges, and occlusal veneers to achieve stable, harmonious occlusion and to reduce the risk of occlusal trauma. Clinicians may alter cusp height, inclinations, and occlusal morphology to optimize intercuspal contacts and achieve balanced load distribution during function.

Etymology: intercuspidale derives from Latin roots inter- “between” and cuspis “cusp,” forming an adjective that denotes relation to the cusps’ contacts between opposing teeth. The related English term is intercuspal or intercuspidal, used in various dental contexts to describe these contact relationships.