The mediolateral curve that contacts the buccal and lingual cusp tips of each side of the arch describes which curve?

• A. Curve of Wilson
• B. Curve of Spee
• C. Centric Contacts
• D. Working Side

Answer: (A)

In occlusion, the Curve of Wilson is the transverse, mediolateral curvature of the occlusal surfaces across the posterior teeth. It is defined by a curved line that contacts the buccal cusp tips on the buccal side and the lingual cusp tips on the lingual side as you move from one side of the arch to the other. This distinguishes it from the Curve of Spee, which runs anteroposteriorly in the sagittal plane through incisal edges and posterior cusp tips. Centric contacts describe where teeth meet in centric occlusion, and the working side refers to the side toward which the mandible moves during lateral excursion. Therefore, the described mediolateral curve is Curve of Wilson.