You have probably noticed that certain teeth have a different shape than others, but have you ever wondered what the purpose is for the different types of teeth?
Teeth are much more than an aesthetic property; they serve a very important role in our ability to function normally on a day-to-day basis.
All of our teeth serve an important role, and it is crucial to take proper care of them in order to chew, bite and tear in a normal manner.
There are four different types of teeth: incisors, canines, premolars and molars.
The incisors are the most visible teeth in the human mouth, as they are the group of teeth in the very front. In total, each person has eight incisors: four on the bottom row and four on the top row.
While incisors may seem insignificant and only there to aid in appearance, they are just as important as every other type of teeth in the mouth. Incisors' main functions include biting into food and helping to pronounce words. In addition, incisors also help support the lip as well.
Canines are the four sharper, pointed teeth on each side of the incisors. Canines are very similar to incisors in that they also help with biting and tearing food.
Additionally, canines help guide the mouth closed when the upper and lower jaw come together. Without canines, eating harder foods, such as meat and hard fruits and vegetables, becomes much more challenging.
Canines generally come through around the age of nine or ten years of age, and the lower canines usually come through before the upper canines.
Premolars, or bicuspids, are located behind the canines and in front of the molars. There are a total of eight premolars, with four being located on the bottom row of teeth and four located on the top row of teeth.
Premolars' main purpose is to chew and crush food, and they are sometimes used for tearing as well. Additionally, premolars help keep the shape of the face, and the absence of premolars can lead to a change in one’s appearance.
Premolars are typically very strong and are capable of enduring a large amount of pressure.
There are also eight molars (four on the bottom and upper row of teeth). Molars are very strong and are located in the farthest back part of the mouth. The main purpose of molars is to chew and crush food, and they are essential to eating in a normal manner.
Third molars, otherwise known as wisdom teeth, are also considered to be molars, although many separate wisdom teeth into their own category.
Since molars are exposed to much more jaw pressure than other teeth, it is important to protect them properly by practicing good oral hygiene and wearing a mouthguard at night if grinding teeth while asleep is a problem.
Request an appointment here: https://cosmeticdentistsilverspring.com or call Lee Dentistry at (301) 605-1123 for an appointment in our Silver Spring office.
Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Read our Yelp reviews.
An emergency dentist can be a reassuring source of professional care in moments of sudden dental pain, injury, or complications. Addressing unexpected problems promptly helps prevent further damage and protect oral health. Having a clear plan and following expert recommendations will make managing stressful dental emergencies easier, maintain healthy teeth and gums, and reduce the…
Dental veneers are a popular cosmetic solution for improving the appearance of teeth, offering a natural-looking, durable option for enhancing smiles. However, like any dental restoration, dental veneers can wear out over time or experience damage that may require replacement. Knowing when it is time to replace your dental veneers is crucial for maintaining your…
A cosmetic dentist focuses on the look and balance of the teeth and gums. With the help of a cosmetic dentist, many people can feel better about their smile. These treatments fix appearance issues, such as stains, chips, and gaps. Modern tools and materials make it possible to get natural results with little to no…
Having a cavity is no fun. Fortunately, there are options like laser dentistry that can make cavity treatment more effective and efficient than the traditional cleaning and filling that many patients are used to. Here are some benefits of laser cavity treatment to help you better understand how this treatment method can help improve your…