TYPES OF TEETH

The human permanent dentition is divided into four classes of teeth based on appearance and function or position.

Incisors, Canines, Premolars & Molars

The Transition from the Deciduous to the Permanent Dentition.

1. The transition begins with the eruption of the four first permanent molars, and replacement of the lower deciduous central incisors by the permanent lower central incisors.

2. Complete resorption of the deciduous tooth roots permits exfoliation of that tooth and replacement by the permanent (successional) teeth

3. The mixed dentition exists from approximately age 6 years to approximately age 12 years. In contrast, the intact deciduous dentition is functional from age 2 - 2 /2 years of age to 6 years of age.

4. The enamel organ of each permanent anterior tooth is connected to the oral epithelium via a fibrous cord, the gubernaculum. The foramina through which it passes can be seen in youthful skulls

The deciduous second molars are particularly important. It is imperative that the deciduous second molars be preserved until their normal time of exfoliation. This prevent mesial migration of the first permanent molars.

Use a space maintainer in the event that a second deciduous molar is lost prematurely

Compensating curvatures of the individual teeth.

- the gentle curvature of the long axes of certain posterior teeth to exhibit a gentle curvature.

-These are probably analogous to the trabecular patterns seen in the femur and therefore reflect lines of stress experienced during function.

Posteruptive tooth movement.

These movements occur after eruption of the teeth into function in the oral cavity. These movements, known collectively as occlusomesial forces.

A. Continuous tooth eruption eruption of teeth after coming into occlusion. This process compensates for occlusal tooth wear.. Cementum deposition and progressive remodelling of the alveolar bone are the growth processes that provide for continuous tooth movement

B. Physiological mesial drift :Tthe tendency of permanent posterior teeth to migrate mesially in the dental arch both before and after they come into occlusion. Clinically, it compensates for proximal tooth wear.

(1) It describes the tendency of posterior teeth to move anteriorly.

(2) It applies to permanent teeth, not deciduous teeth.

(3) The distal tooth have the stronger is the tendency for drift.

(4) It compensates for proximal wear.

(5) In younger persons, teeth drift bodily; in older persons, they tip and rotate.

(6) Forces that cause it include occlusal forces, PDL contraction, and soft tissue pressures. There may be other more subtle factors as well.

Height  of Epithelial Attachment

The height of normal gingival tissue . mesiallv and distallv on approximating teeth, is directly dependent upon the height of the epithelial attachment on these teeth. Normal attachment follows the curvature of the cementoenamel junction if the teeth are jn proper, alignment and contact.

Development of occlusion.

A. Occlusion  usually means the contact relationship in function. Concepts of occlusion vary with almost every specialty of dentistry.

Centric occlusion is the maximum contact and/or intercuspation of the teeth.

B. Occlusion is the sum total of many factors.

1. Genetic factors.

-Teeth can vary in size. Examples are microdontia (very small teeth) and macrodontia (very large teeth). Incidentally, Australian aborigines have the largest molar tooth size—some 35% larger than the smallest molar tooth group

-The shape of individual teeth can vary (such as third molars and the upper lateral incisors.)

-They can vary when and where they erupt, or they may not erupt at all (impaction).

-Teeth can be congenitally missing (partial or complete anodontia), or there can be extra (supernumerary) teeth.

-The skeletal support (maxilla/mandible) and how they are related to each other can vary considerably from the norm.

2. Environmental factors.

-Habits can have an affect: wear, thumbsucking, pipestem or cigarette holder usage, orthodontic appliances, orthodontic retainers have an influence on the occlusion.

3.Muscular pressure.

-Once the teeth erupt into the oral cavity, the position of teeth is affected by other teeth, both in the same dental arch and by teeth in the opposing dental arch.

-Teeth are affected by muscular pressure on the facial side (by cheeks/lips) and on the lingual side (by the tongue).

C. Occlusion constantly changes with development, maturity, and aging.

1 . There is change with the eruption and shedding of teeth as the successional changes from deciduous to permanent dentitions take place.

2. Tooth wear is significant over a lifetime. Abrasion, the wearing away of the occlusal surface reduces crown height and alters occlusal anatomy.

Attrition of the proximal surfaces reduces the mesial-distal dimensions of the teeth and significantly reduces arch length over a lifetime.

Abraision is the wear of teeth by agencies other than the friction of one tooth against another.

Attrition is the wear of teeth by one tooth rubbing against another

3. Tooth loss leaves one or more teeth without an antagonist. Also, teeth drift, tip, and rotate when other teeth in the arch are extracted.