interincisal

Interincisal is a dental term used to describe something relating to the region between the incisors, typically the upper and lower front teeth. It is a directional descriptor rather than a name for a single anatomical structure, and it appears in discussions of tooth alignment, occlusion, and dentofacial measurements.

The most common applications involve interincisal distance and interincisal angle. The interincisal distance is the linear distance between the incisal edges of the maxillary and mandibular central incisors, often considered in a specified bite position to assess vertical incisor relationship. A larger distance can indicate an open bite or vertical jaw discrepancy, while a smaller distance relates to increased overbite or contact between the incisors. The interincisal angle, on the other hand, is the angle formed by the long axes of the maxillary and mandibular central incisors, reflecting their inclination and the sagittal relation of the incisors.

Clinically, interincisal measurements are used in orthodontics, prosthodontics, and dentofacial analysis to evaluate bite function, smile aesthetics, and treatment needs. Measurements can be taken directly with calipers during examination, inferred from clean clinical photographs, or derived from radiographs such as cephalograms. Interincisal relationships help diagnose malocclusions, guide treatment planning, and monitor changes during orthodontic or restorative care.

See also: overjet, overbite, incisor inclination, incisal edge, dental occlusion.