features of teeth

what does the periodontium consist of?

1. gingiva

2. periodontal ligament

3. alveolar bone

4. cementum

what do the four components of the normal periodontium act as?

the investing and supporting tissues of the tooth, which holds the tooth in its position fixed to the socket

what is a socket?

a bony space in the mandible or maxilla, supporting the roots of an erupted tooth

what is a crypt?

a bony space in mandible or maxilla, containing the developing tooth

what is the definition of shedding?

to give off, discharge or expel from the body of a plant or animal, slough off, or lose as part of the normal processes of life

what type of process is the shedding of teeth considered as?

a physiological process for the elimination of deciduous teeth by resorption of their roots prior to eruption of their permanent successors

what is the eruption of teeth considered as?

the physiological movement of teeth from its site of development within the jaw to its position of function within the oral cavity

what is the ugly duckling stage?

also known as broadbent’s phenomenon. around the ages of 8-9, a midline diastema is commonly seen in the upper arch, usually misinterpreted as malocclusion by parents. its typical features are a flaring of the lateral incisors and maxillary midline diastema. it is temporary and tends to self-correct. it is usually caused by the eruption of permanent canines

what are the functions of the teeth?

1. mastication

2. appearance / aesthetics

3. speech

4. growth of jaws

how do the teeth aid in mastication?

1. incisors have a chisel like edge for cutting or incising

2. canines have a wedge like edge for cutting and tearing

3. premolars have at least two projections (cusps) for tearing and grinding

4. molars have multiple projections (cusps) for griding

how do teeth impact the appearance of the face?

well arranged, clean teeth with proper alignment give a nice appearance to the face. teeth also give support to the facial expressions

how do teeth aid in speech?

they help with clear pronunciation and production of sound

how do teeth aid in growth of the jaws?

in some periods of life, they aid in the growth of the jaws

what are the contact areas?

in a complete arch, each tooth touches or contacts two adjacent teeth (except: most posterior teeth). these proximal contact areas are normally between mesial surface of tooth and distal surface of a tooth just anterior to it (except central incisors)

what is the shape of the crown of the teeth from the facial and lingual aspects?

1. all anterior teeth, labially and lingually, have a trapezoidal outline

2. all posterior teeth, buccally and lingually, have a trapezoidal outline

what is the shape of the crown of the teeth from the mesial and distal surfaces?

1. all anterior teeth, mesially and distally, have a triangular outline

2. maxillary posterior teeth have a trapezoidal outline

3. mandibular posterior teeth have a rhomboidal outline