Dental Anatomy Quiz: Incisors Overview

The maxillary lateral incisor is similar to the central incisor in function and appearance but is smaller and more rounded. It assists the central incisor in biting and cutting food.

The mesio-incisal angle of the central incisor is sharp (90 degrees), while the lateral incisor has a rounded angle.

The distal-incisal angle of the lateral incisor is more rounded than the central incisor.

The lingual fossa of the lateral incisor is smaller and deeper than the central incisor's smooth and shallow fossa.

The lingual pit is a small depression on the lingual surface of the tooth. It is more likely to be present on the lateral incisor than the central incisor.

The maxillary central incisor has a straight incisal ridge, while the lateral incisor has a less straight ridge.

The maxillary central incisor has a triangular shape in incisal view with a wide mesio-distal dimension, while the lateral incisor has a round or oval shape with nearly equal mesio-distal and labiolingual dimensions.

The cingulum, which is a raised area on the lingual surface, is tilted distally on the central incisor, but is centered on the lateral incisor.

The largest and widest of all incisors, located in the front of the mouth.

The four front teeth in the upper jaw. They are responsible for biting and cutting food.

The four front teeth in the lower jaw. They are responsible for biting and cutting food.

A space between the two central incisors, which can be a normal or abnormal finding.

The smooth, convex surface of the incisor tooth facing the lips.

Small, rounded bumps on the incisal edge of newly erupted incisors.

The area where the incisor tooth contacts the adjacent tooth.

The process of incisor development, from the initial appearance of the tooth to its final shape.

The shape of the crown of the lower central incisor is diamond-shaped, with a labiolingual dimension greater than the mesiodistal dimension.

The crown of the lower lateral incisor is also diamond-shaped with a wider labiolingual dimension than mesiodistal. The incisal ridge is slanted distally to match the curve of the dental arch.

The roots of the lower incisors have a longitudinal developmental depression, deeper distally than mesially.

The pulp chamber in the crown of young teeth has extensions called pulp horns that connect to each mamelon.

The number of root canals in incisors is typically one, ending in an apical foramen.

Accessory or lateral canals can connect the pulp to the periodontal ligament, providing an alternative pathway for blood vessels and nerves.

The shape of the pulp cavity typically mirrors the external form of the tooth.

The pulp cavity narrows with age, as the tooth develops and hard tissue formation progresses.

The maxillary canine has a shorter, wider, and thicker crown compared to the mandibular canine.

The maxillary canine has a greater labiolingual dimension than mesiodistal, while the mandibular canine has a greater labiolingual dimension than mesiodistal.

The contact areas of the maxillary canine are more cervically positioned, while the mandibular canine contact areas are more incisally positioned.

The maxillary canine has a well-developed labial ridge, while the mandibular canine has a less developed labial ridge.

The maxillary canine has a mesial and distal outline that bulges beyond the root, while the mandibular canine has a straight mesial outline.

The maxillary canine has a well-developed lingual surface with elevations, while the mandibular canine has less developed elevations on the lingual surface.

The maxillary canine has a shallow lingual fossa, while the mandibular canine has a more shallow lingual fossa.

The maxillary canine cusp tip is located labial to the root axis, while the mandibular canine cusp tip is centered or lingual to the root axis.

The mesial slope of the maxillary lateral incisor is shorter than the distal cusp ridge, creating a distinct difference in the tooth's overall shape.

The lingual surface of the tooth tapers inwards, making the crown narrower towards the tongue. This tapering effect is prominent along the mesial and distal outlines.

The lingual cusp of the maxillary lateral incisor is short and small, reaching only about two-thirds of the crown's total length. Its tip is pointed.

The cervical line, marking the boundary between the crown and root, is convex, curving towards the root.

The lingual surface of the maxillary lateral incisor exhibits a convex shape, with the maximum curvature located in the mesial third of the tooth.

The mesial and distal surfaces of the maxillary lateral incisor are generally smooth and convex, except for a concave area located cervical to the contact area.

The maxillary lateral incisor's occlusal outline is diamond-shaped, with a slightly curved mesial outline and a more convex distal outline.

The maxillary lateral incisor has a single root, which is a common feature for incisors.

The maxillary first premolar has a prominent buccal ridge, while the second premolar has a less prominent ridge. Think of it as the first premolar has a stronger 'bump' on the cheek side.

The maxillary first premolar's buccal cusp (the pointy part) is larger and sharper than the smaller, blunter cusp of the second premolar. Imagine the difference between a sharp knife and a dull spoon.

The mesial (towards the front) slope of the first premolar's crown is longer than the distal (towards the back) slope, unlike the second premolar where the distal slope is longer. Picture a slanted roof, where one side extends further than the other.

The crown of the maxillary first premolar tapers towards the neck (the part where the crown joins the root), while the second premolar's crown is broader at the neck. Think of a cone (first premolar) versus a cylinder (second premolar).

The maxillary first premolar typically has two roots - one on the buccal (cheek) side and one on the lingual (tongue) side, while the second premolar has only a single root. Think of a tree with two trunks versus one.

The maxillary first premolar has a longer central groove in its occlusal (chewing) surface than the second premolar. Imagine the groove as a line running down the middle, the first premolar has a longer line.

The maxillary first premolar has a mesio-marginal groove (a small groove near the mesial edge) that clearly exits the occlusal surface. This groove is absent on the second premolar. Think of a river flowing out to sea (first premolar) vs. a dry riverbed (second premolar).

The maxillary first premolar typically has fewer supplemental grooves (extra grooves) than the second premolar. Think of a smooth surface vs. a bumpy surface.