Anterior interferences: their impact on dental health function.

The purpose of this article was to introduce the concept of anterior interferences into the dental lexicon and into the thought process of restorative and orthodontic treatment. It certainly seems clear that this information should have a profound impact on the finishing inclinations of the maxillary and mandibular anterior segments. The evidence appears to contraindicate treatment mechanics that would permit anterior interferences during or following orthodontic treatment. Such clinical sequelae could be obviated by controlling the axial inclination of the maxillary and mandibular anterior segments, by interproximal reduction in the mandibular anterior segment, by building up the tooth mass in the maxillary anterior segment, and possibly by occlusal equilibration in patients with heavy lingual marginal ridges on the maxillary incisors.