Which factor does NOT determine tooth position in natural dentition?

Tooth position in natural dentition is influenced by a combination of several factors that help maintain alignment, stability, and functional occlusion. The roles of lips and cheeks, the tongue, and proximal contacts are critical in determining where teeth are ideally positioned within the dental arch.

Lips and cheeks exert soft tissue pressures that can help guide the positioning of the teeth. They create a balance of forces that can either push or pull the teeth into alignment, thereby influencing their positioning over time.

The tongue plays an essential role as well. It not only occupies space within the oral cavity but also exerts force against the teeth, particularly during swallowing and speech. The pressure from the tongue can help maintain tooth alignment and influence the overall shape of the dental arch.

Proximal contacts—where adjacent teeth touch each other—are crucial for maintaining stability and preventing tooth movement. These contacts help to distribute occlusal forces effectively and keep the teeth in place, not allowing them to tip or drift inappropriately.

In contrast, occlusal contacts are primarily related to how the upper and lower teeth fit together during biting and chewing and do not directly influence the positioning of the teeth within the dental arch like the other factors. While occlusal contacts are important for function