Knowra Dental morphology Dental morphology Dental morphology is the form and structure of teeth, including features such as crowns, cusps, roots, and enamel. These features vary among tooth types and species.
Tooth : A hard anatomical structure in the mouth used for cutting, tearing, or grinding food. Dental morphology describes the form of this whole structure.
Cusp : A raised point on the chewing surface of a tooth. Cusp number, height, and position are central features of crown form.
Dental anthropology : The study of teeth in human biology, evolution, and population history. Human tooth shape provides evidence about ancestry and biological variation.
Incisor : A front tooth with a relatively flat edge used mainly for cutting. Its blade-like crown contrasts with the pointed or broad crowns of other classes.
Dental crown : The visible portion of a tooth above the gumline, covered by enamel. Its shape and surface features define much of a tooth’s morphology.
Mamelon : A rounded projection on the incisal edge of a newly erupted permanent incisor. These developmental ridges are a distinctive feature of some tooth crowns.
Comparative anatomy : The study of anatomical similarities and differences among organisms. Comparing tooth forms across species places dental morphology in a broader framework.
Canine : A typically pointed tooth positioned between the incisors and premolars. Its elongated crown differs from the cutting form of incisors.
Tooth root : The portion of a tooth anchored in the jaw, typically covered by cementum. Root number, form, and curvature are also morphological traits.
Dental occlusion : The contact relationship between the upper and lower teeth when the jaws close. Tooth contours determine how opposing teeth meet.
Show all 23