Teeth and Their Positions and Functions

$\"Teeth$

01 The Names of Teeth and Their Positions and Functions

Understand Teeth and Their Conditions and Treatment – 01 The Names of Teeth and Their Positions and Functions

While a dentist might understand the different types of teeth in your mouth, you may have forgotten what the names of the different teeth are despite learning about these in elementary school, but when you know the names of your teeth, you will understand why specialized treatment with orthodontics is often necessary.

Tooth Type 1: Bicuspids or Premolars

Premolars have at least two cusps, and these teeth are located between your mouth\’s molars and canines. Most adults have eight bicuspid teeth, and these teeth often develop cavities that require treatment with fillings.

Tooth Type 2: Canines or Cuspids

Cuspids or canine teeth have only one point or cusp, and these teeth are near the front of the mouth next to the incisors. These are the teeth that often require treatment with orthodontics to eliminate wide gaps or other types of unattractive malocclusions. You should have only four canine teeth in your mouth.

Tooth Type 3: Incisors

The incisors are the first teeth that you can see when you smile, and if these teeth are misaligned with wide gaps, then professional treatment with orthodontics is essential to fix your bite. An adult will have eight incisor teeth. These are the teeth that are often damaged by chips caused by injuries while playing sports or falling from a bicycle.

Tooth Type 4: Molars

Molars are located toward the back of your mouth on the top and bottom. If you aren\’t brushing and flossing correctly, then these are the teeth that will likely develop cavities that a dentist will fill with a tooth colored composite or porcelain material. The average adult has 12 molars that are located behind the other teeth on the upper and lower jaw.

Tooth Type 5: Third Molars or Wisdom Teeth

If you have third molars or wisdom teeth, then you may need to have these removed by a dentist when you are a teenager. These teeth often become impacted because the human mouth has become smaller, and you may have as many as four wisdom teeth. Your wisdom teeth are located at the back of your mouth so no one will notice if these are removed from your gums.

Primary and Permanent Teeth

Children eventually have a total of 20 primary teeth, but these become loose and fall out beginning at about age 6. By the time that an individual is in her late teens, she will have all 32 adult teeth.