tannrekk

Tannrekk is a Norwegian term that refers to the arrangement and sequence of teeth in the jaws, effectively the dental arches or dentition. The word combines tann, meaning tooth, and rekke, meaning row or sequence, and is used to describe how teeth are positioned and organized within the mouth.

In humans, dentition occurs in two main phases: the deciduous (primary) dentition and the permanent dentition. The deciduous set consists of 20 teeth, arranged as two incisors, one canine, and two molars per quadrant. The permanent dentition consists of 32 teeth, with two incisors, one canine, two premolars, and three molars per quadrant. The tannrekk of a person thus encompasses both the types of teeth and their spatial arrangement in each jaw.

Development and eruption follow a conventional sequence. Primary teeth emerge in infancy and are typically shed during childhood to make way for permanent teeth, which erupt from early adolescence onward. The transition period, when both sets are present, is known as mixed dentition. The overall shape and alignment of the tannrekk influence bite (occlusion) and function.

Clinical relevance centers on variations in the tannrekk, such as crowding, spacing, deviations in arch form, or malocclusion. Orthodontic and dental interventions may aim to improve alignment, spacing, and occlusion to restore function and aesthetics. The concept is commonly used in dental exams, planning, and anatomy education, and is closely linked to terms like dentition, occlusion, and orthodontics.