tooth morphology

What are the two arches in human dentition called?

The upper arch is the maxillary arch and the lower arch is the mandibular arch.

What is the maxillary arch fixed to?

The maxillary arch is fixed to the skull.

Where are the mandibular teeth located?

The mandibular teeth are located in the mandible bone.

What is the imaginary line that divides each dental arch into two halves called?

The midline or median line.

How many quadrants are there in the dentition?

There are four quadrants in the dentition.

How many permanent teeth are found in each quadrant?

There are eight permanent teeth in each quadrant.

What are the two types of sextants in the dental arch?

There are two posterior sextants and one anterior sextant.

What is included in the anterior sextant of the arch?

The anterior sextant is comprised of the six front teeth.

How do the maxillary teeth relate to the mandibular teeth when in proper alignment?

The teeth in the maxillary arch slightly overlap the mandibular teeth.

What happens each time the mouth is closed regarding the opposing arches?

The teeth from the maxillary arch contact the teeth from the mandibular arch.

Maxillary Arch

The upper arch of teeth set in the maxilla bone, fixed to the skull.

Mandibular Arch

The lower arch of teeth located in the mandible bone, movable and bringing the biting force toward the maxillary arch.

Quadrants

Sections created by the midline of the dental arches, with four quadrants each containing eight permanent teeth.

Primary Teeth

The first set of teeth that erupt in humans, consisting of 20 teeth: 10 in each arch and 5 in each quadrant.

Permanent Teeth

The second set of teeth that replace primary teeth, consisting of 32 teeth in adults: 16 in each arch and 8 in each quadrant.

Incisors

Teeth used for cutting or biting food; includes central and lateral incisors.

Canines (Cuspids)

Bulkier teeth used for tearing food, located after the incisors.

Premolars (Bicuspids)

Teeth used to pulverize food, located after the canines in the permanent dentition.

Molars

Teeth used for chewing food; include first, second, and third molars, the latter commonly known as wisdom teeth.

Anterior Teeth

Teeth located toward the front of the mouth from cuspid to cuspid, including central incisors, lateral incisors, and canines.

Posterior Teeth

Teeth located in the back of the mouth, including molars in deciduous dentition and premolars and molars in permanent dentition.

Maxillary Arch

The upper dental arch that holds the upper teeth, fixed to the skull and containing 16 permanent teeth.

Mandibular Arch

The lower dental arch that holds the lower teeth, movable and bringing biting force towards the maxillary arch.

Quadrants of Dentition

The dentition is divided into four quadrants, each containing eight permanent teeth, divided by the midline.

Primary Teeth

The first set of teeth in humans, also known as deciduous teeth, consisting of 20 teeth that are eventually replaced by permanent teeth.

Permanent Teeth

The second set of teeth that replaces primary teeth, totaling 32 teeth in adults.

Succedaneous Teeth

Permanent teeth that replace primary teeth; there are 20 succedaneous teeth that replace the 20 primary teeth.

Incisal Edge

The cutting edge of anterior teeth, including incisors and canines.

Occlusal Surface

The chewing surface of posterior teeth, including molars and premolars.

Eruption Date

The age range during which a tooth emerges into the oral cavity.

Clinical Crown

The portion of the tooth that is visible in the mouth, potentially smaller than the anatomical crown due to gingival coverage.

Enamel

The hard outer layer that covers the anatomical crown of a tooth.

Cervical Line

The junction between the crown and the root of a tooth, also known as the cementoenamel junction (CEJ).

Bicuspid

Another name for premolars, which have two cusps and are involved in grinding food.

Mamelons

Three rounded protuberances on the incisal edge of newly erupted incisors.

Mandibular First Molar

The largest mandibular tooth often called the '6-year molar' due to its early eruption.

Trifurcated Roots

Teeth with three roots, often seen in maxillary molars.

Furcation

The point at which a multirooted tooth's roots divide.

Embrasure

The triangular space between two adjacent teeth when in contact.

Cingulum

The convex area on the lingual surface of anterior teeth, typically located near the gingiva.

Transverse Ridge

The union of two cusps forming a single elevation across the occlusal surface of a posterior tooth.