1. Overview

This topic covers the dental anatomy of incisors and canines, located in the maxilla and mandible. It highlights their morphology, classification, surfaces, orientation, and distinguishing features. Incisors are primarily cutting teeth with specific anatomical forms, while canines are used for tearing and are notable for having the longest roots. The course covers tooth surfaces, orientation terms, dental morphology details, and compares maxillary and mandibular incisors and canines, focusing on shape, dimensions, ridges, grooves, and clinical features.

2. Core Concepts & Key Elements

Dental Anatomy Review
- Surfaces of teeth: mesial, distal, labial/buccal, lingual, incisal/occlusal, cervical
- Terms of orientation: apical, middle, cervical, incisal, mesial, distal, labial, lingual, buccal
Dental Morphology Details
- Features: developmental lobes & mamelons, cusp, cingulum, ridges, fossae, developmental groove, supplemental groove, contact area, antagonist teeth
Classification of Permanent Teeth
- Incisors (4+4): function to cut
- Canines (2+2): function to tear
- Premolars (4+4): function to tear and crush
- Molars (6+6): function to crush and grind
Incisors
- Central incisors centered at midline, mesial surfaces contact each other
- Lateral incisors distal to centrals
- Maxillary central larger than lateral incisors; opposite in mandibular
- Incisors are shearing/cutting teeth with incisal ridges, not cusps
Maxillary Central Incisors (11, 21)
- Widest mesiodistally among anterior teeth
- Squared/rectangular/trapezoidal, straight incisal edge
- Cervical line curves toward root, mesial side straighter than distal
- Mamelons present at eruption with mesiolabial and distolabial grooves
- Labial aspect: flat, less convex
- Lingual aspect: concave, cingulum in cervical third, broad lingual fossa bordered by marginal ridges
- Mesial aspect: incisal ridge aligned with root apex, contact at incisal third
- Distal aspect: contact at incisal-middle third junction
- Incisal aspect: asymmetric, crown leans distolingually
Maxillary Lateral Incisors (12, 22)
- Shorter and narrower than central incisors
- Triangular crown, incisal edge toward distal, crown displaced distally
- More convex labial aspect
- Root 1.5 times longer than crown
- Lingual aspect: prominent cingulum, deeper lingual fossa, often deep lingual pit
- Palatoradicular groove may be present, risk for periodontal disease
- Mesial and distal aspects: cervical line curves towards incisal (less than central)
Mandibular Central Incisors (31, 41)
- Smallest teeth, bilateral symmetry, shortest mesiodistal diameter
- Crown trapezoidal/quadrangular, incisal edge straight, aligned at 90° to labiolingual axis
- Smooth labial and lingual surfaces with merged shallow lingual fossa and cingulum
- Root straight, tapering to distal apex
- Contact areas at incisal third on mesial and distal sides
Mandibular Lateral Incisors (32, 42)
- Wider and more convex than central incisors, no bilateral symmetry
- Crown triangular shape, incisal edge leans distally and lingually, cingulum distally displaced
- Root with deep distal depression
- Lingual aspect more pronounced cingulum, fossa, and marginal ridges
- Contact areas at incisal edge junction
- Incisal aspect: incisal ridge leans distally, inward toward lingual
Differences Maxillary Central vs Lateral Incisors
- Central: wider M-D, flatter labial, less groove definition
- Lateral: more rounded labial, deeper lingual fossae, occasionally lingual pit
Differences Mandibular Central vs Lateral Incisors
- Central: symmetrical trapezoid, straight incisal edge
- Lateral: asymmetrical trapezoid/triangle, incisal edge leans distolingually
Canines
- Positioned at corners of mouth; third tooth from midline
- Longest teeth with longest roots, most stable, support incisors and premolars
- Prominent labiolingual diameter, single pointed cusp with mesioincisal (shorter) and distoincisal (longer) ridges
- Pentagonal outline from labial view
- Only cusped teeth without occlusal surface
Maxillary Canines (13, 23)
- Labial aspect: smooth with labial ridge, cusp tip aligned with root apex, larger middle lobe
- Lingual aspect: large cingulum, well-defined lingual ridge with mesiolingual and distolingual fossae
- Mesial aspect: longest l-l diameter, convex in incisal and middle thirds, concave cervical third with tartar retention
- Distal aspect: similar to mesial but convexity less pronounced
- Incisal aspect: larger labiolingual than M-D diameter, cusp tip and ridges lean slightly lingually
Mandibular Canines (33, 43)
- Smaller M-D diameter and cusp than maxillary
- Labial aspect similar to maxillary, cusp tip aligned with root apex
- Lingual surface smooth, smaller cingulum and less prominent marginal ridges
- Mesial and distal aspects have root groove for anchorage, cervical line more curved mesially
- Incisal aspect cusp tip and ridges lean lingually
Differences Maxillary vs Mandibular Canines
- Cingulum much larger on maxillary
- Root bigger on maxillary
- Maxillary crown wider M-D and sharper incisosuperiorly
- Mandibular canine has greatest incisosuperior dimension
- Maxillary canine mesial outline convex
- Mandibular canine mesial outline nearly straight

3. High-Yield Facts

Incisors cut food; canines tear food
32 teeth in total for permanent dentition (8 incisors, 4 canines, 8 premolars, 12 molars)
Mamelons correspond to 3 developmental lobes, worn by attrition shortly after eruption
Maxillary central incisor (11, 21) widest M-D anterior teeth
Mandibular central incisors (31, 41) are the smallest teeth with bilateral symmetry
Maxillary lateral incisors (12, 22) most variable teeth besides third molars (peg lateral, agenesis common)
Canine cusps: mesioincisal ridge shorter, distoincisal longer
Palatoradicular groove on maxillary lateral incisor risk for periodontal disease
Largest roots of all teeth are maxillary canines
Contact areas generally in the incisal or middle thirds for incisors and canines
Developmental groove on root increases tooth anchorage in canines
Cervical line curvature greatest on mesial surface of teeth

4. Summary Table

Concept	Key Points	Notes
Teeth Classification	Incisors (4+4), Canines (2+2), Premolars (4+4), Molars (6+6)	Reflect functional differences
Surfaces of Teeth	Mesial, Distal, Labial/Buccal, Lingual, Incisal/Occlusal, Cervical
Incisors	Central incisors centered at midline with mesial contact; lateral incisors distal to centrals
Maxillary Central Incisors	Widest M-D, trapezoidal shape, mamelons, 3 lobes, broad lingual fossa	Erupt 7-8 yrs, root completes 10 yrs
Maxillary Lateral Incisors	Smaller, triangular, longer root, palatoradicular groove risk	Most variable, peg laterals common
Mandibular Central Incisors	Smallest teeth, symmetrical, straight incisal edge	Erupt 6-7 yrs, root completes 9 yrs
Mandibular Lateral Incisors	Larger than central, no symmetry, incisal edge distal displacement	Root with deeper distal depression
Canines	Longest root/crown, pentagonal outline, tear function, strong cusps	Longest eruption period
Maxillary Canine	Large cingulum, lingual ridge, mesial contact incisal-middle third, palatal concavity	Root 13-15 yrs completion
Mandibular Canine	Smaller, less prominent cingulum, root groove	Root 12-14 yrs completion
Differences Max vs Man	Maxillary canines larger, wider, more curved mesial outline; mandibular canines have straighter mesial line

5. Mini-Schema (ASCII)

Dental Anatomy - Incisors & Canines
 ├─ Surfaces of Teeth
 │    ├─ Mesial, Distal, Labial/Buccal, Lingual, Incisal/Occlusal, Cervical
 │    └─ Terms of Orientation
 ├─ Dental Morphology Details
 │    ├─ Lobes & Mamelons
 │    ├─ Cusps, Cingulum, Ridges
 │    └─ Fossae, Grooves, Contact Area
 ├─ Classification of Teeth
 │    ├─ Incisors (4+4) - Cut
 │    ├─ Canines (2+2) - Tear
 │    ├─ Premolars (4+4) - Tear/Crush
 │    └─ Molars (6+6) - Crush/Grind
 ├─ Incisors
 │    ├─ Maxillary Central (11,21): widest M-D, trapezoidal
 │    ├─ Maxillary Lateral (12,22): smaller, variable, 1.5x root length
 │    ├─ Mandibular Central (31,41): smallest, symmetrical
 │    └─ Mandibular Lateral (32,42): larger, no symmetry, distal displacement
 └─ Canines
      ├─ Maxillary (13,23): largest root, sharp cusp, large cingulum
      └─ Mandibular (33,43): smaller, smooth lingual, root groove

6. Rapid-Review Bullets

Incisors function mainly for cutting; canines for tearing
Maxillary central incisors (11,21) widest M-D anterior teeth
Mandibular central incisors (31,41) smallest teeth, bilateral symmetry
Mamelons correspond to 3 developmental lobes on incisal edge
Maxillary lateral incisor prone to peg shape, agenesis, palatoradicular groove
Canines have longest roots and largest labiolingual dimensions
Maxillary canine mesial ridge shorter than distal ridge
Contact areas usually in incisal or middle thirds of crown surfaces
Cervical line curvature greatest on each tooth’s mesial side
Developmental groove on canine root enhances anchorage
Mandibular canine’s incisal edge leans distolingually, maxillary more vertical
Lingual fossae and cingulum more prominent on maxillary incisors and canines
Distal root depressions deeper than mesial on mandibular incisors and canines
Incisal angle of centrals nearly 90° with labiolingual line; lateral incisors more rounded
Canine cusp tip aligns with root apex in both jaws
Maxillary canine crown wider M-D, sharper incisosuperiorly than mandibular
Mandibular canine has greatest incisosuperior crown dimension
Maxillary lateral incisor root approx. 1.5x crown length; central roots slightly shorter
Smooth, shallow fossa on lingual mandibular incisors; no pits or grooves

This structured, detailed summary follows the course content order and focuses on exam-relevant facts and comparative morphology for incisors and canines.

Dental Anatomy of Incisors & Canines - Revision Sheet

1. 📌 Essentials

Incisors are designed for cutting; canines for tearing food.
Total permanent teeth: 32 (8 incisors, 4 canines, 8 premolars, 12 molars).
Maxillary central incisors are the widest anterior teeth mesiodistally.
Mandibular central incisors are smallest, bilaterally symmetrical.
Mamelons are three lingual lobes worn down by attrition.
Maxillary lateral incisors are highly variable (peg, agenesis, grooves).
Maxillary canines have the longest roots; mandibular canines are smaller.
Labial surface of maxillary canines: prominent ridge; lingual: large cingulum.
Contact points mostly in incisal or middle third.
Cervical line curves mesially; greatest on mesial surfaces.
Developmental grooves enhance root anchorage, especially in canines.
Crowns of maxillary canines wider M-D, sharper incisal angles.
Mandibular canines have more symmetrical crown shape.
Lingual fossae and cingula are more prominent in maxillary teeth.
Roots of maxillary canines are the longest; mandibular roots are narrower.

2. 🧩 Key Structures & Components

Surface Terms: mesial, distal, labial/buccal, lingual, incisal/occlusal, cervical.
Features: Mamelons, cingulum, cusps, ridges, fossae, grooves.
Maxillary Central Incisor: rectilinear, trapezoidal crown, broad lingual fossa.
Maxillary Lateral Incisor: triangular crown, deep lingual fossa, more convex.
Mandibular Central Incisor: small, symmetrical, trapezoidal crown, straight incisal edge.
Mandibular Lateral Incisor: asymmetrical, distal displacement of cingulum.
Canines: pointed cusp, large cingulum, robust root, pentagonal outline.
Maxillary Canine: large cingulum, prominent lingual ridge, root with deep palatal groove.
Mandibular Canine: smaller, less prominent lingual features; root with cervical groove.

3. 🔬 Functions, Mechanisms & Relationships

Incisors serve for cutting; designed with straight incisal edges and flat labial surfaces.
Canines function for tearing; possess a single pointed cusp with proximal ridges.
Roots provide stability; maxillary canines have the longest, anchoring in alveolus.
Labial ridges and cingula guide occlusion and support soft tissue.
Morphological features (lobes, grooves) influence wear patterns and periodontal health.
Contact points maintain arch integrity and guide tooth eruption.
Curvature of cervical lines is greater on mesial surfaces, aiding in occlusion assessment.
Developmental grooves increase root strength and anchorage.

4. Comparative Table

Item	Key Features	Notes / Differences
Maxillary Central Incisor	Widest M-D, trapezoidal, broad lingual fossa, mamelons	Largest symmetrical incisor, eruption at 7-8 yrs
Maxillary Lateral Incisor	Triangular, deep lingual fossa, variable shape	Peg lateral common, root 1.5x crown length
Mandibular Central Incisor	Smallest, symmetrical, straight incisal edge	Eruption at 6-7 yrs
Mandibular Lateral Incisor	Asymmetrical, distal cingulum, more convex crown	Root with deep distal depression
Maxillary Canine	Largest root, pointed cusp, prominent cingulum	Root up to 15 yrs, deep palatal groove
Mandibular Canine	Smaller, smoother lingual surface, root with cervical groove	Root erupts around 12-14 yrs

5. 🗂️ Hierarchical Diagram (ASCII)

Dental Anatomy
 ├─ Incisors
 │    ├─ Maxillary
 │    │    ├─ Central Incisor
 │    │    └─ Lateral Incisor
 │    └─ Mandibular
 │          ├─ Central Incisor
 │          └─ Lateral Incisor
 └─ Canines
      ├─ Maxillary
      └─ Mandibular

6. ⚠️ High-Yield Pitfalls & Confusions

Confusing maxillary and mandibular incisor shapes; maxillary wider M-D.
Overlooking the variability of lateral incisors—peg and agenesis.
Mistaking cingulum size: much larger on maxillary canines.
Misunderstanding root lengths: maxillary canines have the longest roots.
Assuming all canines have the same shape in both jaws.
Misidentifying the location of mamelons—only on freshly erupted incisors.
Confusing the lingual fossa prominence between central and lateral incisors.
Overlooking the cervical groove in mandibular canines, which affects periodontal health.

7. ✅ Final Exam Checklist

Know the total number of teeth in permanent dentition and their types.
Be able to identify and describe the surfaces of incisors and canines.
Recognize the morphology features: mamelons, cingula, ridges, fossae.
Understand the functional differences between incisors and canines.
Memorize the eruption and root development timings for central and lateral teeth.
Differentiate maxillary and mandibular incisors—shape, size, features.
Know the defining features and root morphology of maxillary and mandibular canines.
Recognize common variations in lateral incisors (peg, agenesis).
Understand the significance of developmental grooves and their clinical implications.
Be familiar with the typical contact areas on incisors and canines.
Recall the importance of cervical line curvature in occlusion.
Study the hierarchy of dental structures, separation of maxillary vs mandibular.
Focus on morphology that supports periodontal health and stability.
Be aware of common confusion points and pitfalls for exam questions.

This structured revision sheet emphasizes high-yield facts, comparative features, and key morphological concepts of incisors and canines for exam success.

Dental Incisors and Canines Anatomy

Crée tes propres fiches en 30 secondes

1. Overview

2. Core Concepts & Key Elements

3. High-Yield Facts

4. Summary Table

5. Mini-Schema (ASCII)

6. Rapid-Review Bullets

Dental Incisors and Canines Anatomy

Crée tes propres fiches en 30 secondes

Dental Anatomy of Incisors & Canines - Revision Sheet

1. 📌 Essentials

2. 🧩 Key Structures & Components

3. 🔬 Functions, Mechanisms & Relationships

4. Comparative Table

5. 🗂️ Hierarchical Diagram (ASCII)

6. ⚠️ High-Yield Pitfalls & Confusions

7. ✅ Final Exam Checklist

Dental Incisors and Canines Anatomy

Dental Incisors and Canines Anatomy

Which statement accurately describes the root length of mandibular canines relative to their crown size?

Dental Incisors and Canines Anatomy

Progression globale

Détail par thème

Introduction au système

Les différents types

Structure axiale

Structure appendiculaire

Suivi de progression par thème