1. Name the three dentition periods and explain the differences between them.
+ The name of the three dentition periods are : Primary, Mixed, and Permanent
➔ The Primary Dentition Period has a time span of 6 months to 6 years and they
start the moment eruption of the primary mandibular central incisors show. The
mouth contains all 20 primary teeth.
➔ The Mixed Dentition Period has a time span of 6 - 12 years and it usually starts
when the eruption of the first permanent mandibular molar comes out. At this
time, your mouth is a mix of primary and permanent teeth.
➔ The Permanent Dentition Period starts approximately after all primary teeth have
been shed. That will look to be after 12 years. The first shedding will start when
the primary maxillary second molar is removed from the mouth.
2. Name the two dental arches and explain two ways that the arches can be divided.
+ The two dental arches are the Maxillary Arch and the Mandibular Arch.
➔ The Maxillary Arch is the upper arch of the mouth and is not capable of any
movement since it is a part of the cranium. Teeth located in the maxillary are set
in the maxilla.
➔ The Mandibular Arch is the lower arch of the mouth and is capable of movement
because of the temporomandibular joint.
3. Describe the types and functions of teeth.
+ There are four types of teeth. There are Incisors, Canines, Premolars, and
Molars. (No molars in primary dentition)
➔ The Incisors are single - rooted teeth with a sharp and thin edge. They use it to
cut food without the need to apply too much force. On the lingual side, the shape
of the incisors are like a shovel and it’s used to shove food into the move.
➔ The Canines (Cuspids) are the longest teeth in the mouth and are the most
stable teeth because of their long roots. It’s difficult to loosen them and so they
are the last to go when someone’s losing all their teeth. Their function is to cut
and tear food with just a good amount of force. Canines are also called the
“cornerstone” of the dental arch because of their location, design, and function.
➔ Premolars are a mixture of canines and molars. They can also be called
bicuspids because it’s to be believed they have two cusps, although some have
three. The design of the teeth help it hold and grind food that enters the mouth
and the difference between them from canines is that they have a wider surface
for chewing food.
➔ Molars are similar to premolars, except that they are bigger and have about 4 or
more cusps. It is designed to chew and grind food. Maxillary molars tend to be
different from mandibular molars, but they still function the same.
+ The name of the three dentition periods are : Primary, Mixed, and Permanent
➔ The Primary Dentition Period has a time span of 6 months to 6 years and they
start the moment eruption of the primary mandibular central incisors show. The
mouth contains all 20 primary teeth.
➔ The Mixed Dentition Period has a time span of 6 - 12 years and it usually starts
when the eruption of the first permanent mandibular molar comes out. At this
time, your mouth is a mix of primary and permanent teeth.
➔ The Permanent Dentition Period starts approximately after all primary teeth have
been shed. That will look to be after 12 years. The first shedding will start when
the primary maxillary second molar is removed from the mouth.
2. Name the two dental arches and explain two ways that the arches can be divided.
+ The two dental arches are the Maxillary Arch and the Mandibular Arch.
➔ The Maxillary Arch is the upper arch of the mouth and is not capable of any
movement since it is a part of the cranium. Teeth located in the maxillary are set
in the maxilla.
➔ The Mandibular Arch is the lower arch of the mouth and is capable of movement
because of the temporomandibular joint.
3. Describe the types and functions of teeth.
+ There are four types of teeth. There are Incisors, Canines, Premolars, and
Molars. (No molars in primary dentition)
➔ The Incisors are single - rooted teeth with a sharp and thin edge. They use it to
cut food without the need to apply too much force. On the lingual side, the shape
of the incisors are like a shovel and it’s used to shove food into the move.
➔ The Canines (Cuspids) are the longest teeth in the mouth and are the most
stable teeth because of their long roots. It’s difficult to loosen them and so they
are the last to go when someone’s losing all their teeth. Their function is to cut
and tear food with just a good amount of force. Canines are also called the
“cornerstone” of the dental arch because of their location, design, and function.
➔ Premolars are a mixture of canines and molars. They can also be called
bicuspids because it’s to be believed they have two cusps, although some have
three. The design of the teeth help it hold and grind food that enters the mouth
and the difference between them from canines is that they have a wider surface
for chewing food.
➔ Molars are similar to premolars, except that they are bigger and have about 4 or
more cusps. It is designed to chew and grind food. Maxillary molars tend to be
different from mandibular molars, but they still function the same.
