incisiver

Incisiver is the plural form of incisor in several Scandinavian languages (for example Swedish, Norwegian, and Danish) and refers to the front teeth of the jaw. In humans, incisors are the teeth located at the front of the dental arches and are primarily used for cutting and nibbling food, as well as contributing to speech and aesthetics.

Anatomy and arrangement: Each dental arch contains four incisors: a central incisor and a lateral incisor on each side, making eight incisors in the permanent dentition (four per arch). The crowns are typically narrow and upright, with a sharp incisal edge. Most incisors have a single root. The maxillary incisors tend to have a slightly different crown morphology than the mandibular incisors, and they are separated from adjacent teeth by canines.

Types and naming: The two central incisors are the central incisors, and the teeth on either side are the lateral incisors. In both the maxillary (upper) and mandibular (lower) arches, these four teeth per arch form the anterior-most group and play a key role in the initial stages of mastication and articulation.

Development and eruption: During dentition development, incisors appear early. Primary (deciduous) incisors erupt in infancy, while permanent incisors erupt in childhood. The eruption timeline varies by tooth and by individual, but central incisors typically appear before lateral incisors in both arches, and permanent incisors generally emerge around ages 6 to 8, with slight differences between upper and lower jaws.

Function and clinical notes: Incisors are essential for cutting food, shaping the bite, and forming familiar facial contours. They are commonly affected by wear, chipping, caries, and trauma, and orthodontic factors can influence their alignment and function. In dentistry, incisors are key reference teeth for both assessment and treatment planning.