Tooth types

Question 1

Incisors

Answer 1

• 8 incisors in both permanent / primary dentitions. The central incisors occupy position on either side of mid line in upper and lower arches and lateral incisors positioned distally to centrals.
  Function together by forming a cutting and shearing surface. Cut and incise food into small pieces. Aesthetically important.

Question 2

Canines

Answer 2

Four canines in both dentitions.
Third from midline and last of anterior teeth.
Function is to grip, hold and tear. Great importance in aesthetics as aleveolar bone produces am eminence over canines root so therefore loss of canine leads to shrunken appearance. Corner stones of the arches.

Question 3

Premolars

Answer 3

Only appear in permanent dentition and there’s 8. 4th and 5th from midline and replace primary molars. Dual function of assisting canines in tearing and grinding similar to molars.

Question 4

Molars

Answer 4

Present in both dentitions. 8 in primary and up to 12 in permanent. Situated furthest from the midline. Largest occlusal surface which they grind and crush food. Last permanent molar often either missing , underdeveloped , unerupted due to evolutionary change in size of jaws.