Teeth come in a variety of shapes and sizes, each with its own purpose. Canine teeth, for example, are sharp and almost triangular in shape, designed for cutting food. The permanent dentition is made up of 32 teeth, consisting of four incisors, two canines, four premolars (or bicuspids), four molars, and two wisdom teeth (also called third molars). If the wisdom teeth have been removed, 28 teeth will remain.
Each tooth has its own unique shape, size, and location, all of which are important for proper nutrition. Adults typically have 28 functional teeth and possibly four wisdom teeth, which may not be functional in some cases. Dental bonding is a process that involves attaching a synthetic material to a tooth to restore or improve its natural shape. Orthodontic treatment can also be used to improve the appearance of the teeth without affecting the underlying shape. However, some people may not develop third molars at all, or they may vary in size and shape. Dental restorations such as crowns or veneers can be used to cover an underlying tooth and give it a different shape.
Maxillary lateral incisors can sometimes be pin-shaped and are referred to as “peg-shaped laterals”. In adult dentition (the second set of teeth), the 8 primary molars are replaced by premolar (or bicuspid) teeth. Premolars (bicuspids) and molars have a series of elevations (points or “cusps”) that are used to break up food particles.
