Incisors
There are four incisors in each arch. Two central incisors and two lateral incisors.
Location – the central incisors are side by side at the midline. There is a lateral incisor on each side of the central incisors.
Shape – single rooted, crowns are arched and angle toward one sharp incisal edge.
Function – to cut or incise food with their thin edges.
Canines
There are two canines in each arch. They are sometimes referred to as cuspids.
Location – next to the lateral incisors, ESTABLISHES the cornering of the arches.
Shape – anchored with the longest root, one pointed cusp.
Function – used for holding, grasping, and tearing food. Referred to as the cornerstone of the mouth.
Premolars
There are for premolars in each arch. Two first premolars and two second premolars. They are sometimes referred to as bicuspids. There are no premolars in the primary dentition.
Location – first premolars are next to the canines followed by the second premolars.
Shape – maxillary first premolars have a bifurcated root, all others have one root, one prominent cusp with one or two lesser lingual cusps.
Function – holding food, like canines because they have cusps; also to crush food.
Molars
There are three molars in each arch of the permanent dentition. Two first molars, two second molars and two third molars. Third molars are sometimes called wisdom teeth. There are two molars in each arch of the primary dentition. Two first molars and two second molars.
Location – first molars are next to the second premolars, second molars next to the first molars and third molars next to the second molars. The third molars are the farthest teeth in the mouth.
Shape – bifurcated or trifurcated roots, broad chewing surfaces with four to five cusps.
Function – grinding food.