Identification and Orientation of Adult Teeth

Overview

• Guide to identifying and orientating adult teeth.
• Models of upper and lower arches, right-hand side of the patient.
• Teeth are referred to by numbers and names:
  • 1, 2: Incisors
  • 3: Canines
  • 4, 5: Premolars
  • 6, 7, 8: Molars
• Directional terms:
  • Buccal: Cheek side
  • Palatal/Lingual: Inner side
  • Mesial: Towards the front
  • Distal: Towards the back

Anterior Teeth

Upper Incisors

• 1 and 2 (Incisor and Lateral Incisor):
  • Similar shape; identify by sharp mesial corner.
  • Sharp corner usually indicates the mesial side.

Lower Incisors

• Lower incisors vary:
  • 1: Asymmetrical with sharp mesial corner.
  • 2: Fan-shaped, symmetrical.
• Look at occlusal surface twist for orientation.

Canines

• Upper vs Lower Canines:
  • Upper: Wider tooth.
  • Lower: More slender.
  • Shorter mesial surface to identify orientation.
  • No cingulum on palatal/lingual side.

Premolars

Upper Premolars

• Identification:
  • Similar cusp sizes buccal and palatal.
  • Canine fossa (groove) present for tight fit with canine.

Lower Premolars

• 4: Canine-shaped, pronounced cusp size difference.
• 5: Appears to have three cusps; separated by a groove.

Molars

Upper Molars

• 6, 7, 8: Similar shape, size decreases from 6 to 8.
  • 6: Often has a cusp of Carabelli (not always present).
  • Distal palatal cusp is key for orientation.

Lower Molars

• 6: Largest with five cusps.
  • Orientation: Fatter end is mesial, three cusps are buccal.
  • Pronounced cant for tongue space.
• 7, 8: Four evenly distributed cusps, cross-like form.
  • Difficult to distinguish; rely on size and shape.

Tips for Orientation

• Look for mesial/distal features for orientation.
• Use cusp sizes and shapes to identify teeth type.
• Pay attention to groove orientation to ensure proper fit in the arch.

This guide provides a fundamental overview for dental technicians to identify and orientate adult teeth effectively. Use these identifying features and orientation tips to place teeth correctly in the dental arch.