A teeth numbering chart can be helpful if you’re attempting to get your mouth into the right shape in order to have the best smile possible. Not only do they help you decide on which dental procedures are best suited to meet your needs, but they also can guide you when it comes to creating the treatment plan that gets your teeth healthy and happy as quickly as possible. Keep reading to learn more about how teeth numbering charts can help you get your smile into shape!
Why Teeth Number Charts Exist
The easiest way to find your ideal smile is by understanding where your teeth will be once they’ve fully erupted into their final resting positions. And that means taking a good, long look at where they are right now. That’s because, when you’re a kid and all of your teeth are still coming in, it can be hard to know exactly how your teeth will line up once they’ve finally settled into place as adult teeth. From there, as you get older, bad habits like grinding or thumb-sucking might cause some orthodontic problems that require fixing with an orthodontist.
How Dentists Work With Teeth Numbering Charts
Dentists and orthodontists use a numbering system to help identify teeth by name. Each tooth is given a number, usually starting at #1 on either side of your mouth, with teeth getting larger as you go along. Then, within each quadrant of your mouth—upper left, upper right, lower left and lower right—teeth are identified by order of size. There’s even a set pattern for naming teeth from large to small: Maxillary first molars become Maxillary second molars become Maxillary premolars becomes Maxillary canines (remember that one?). Mandibular first molars become mandibular second molars become mandibular premolars becomes mandibular canines. So what does it all mean?
When Were Teeth Numbering Charts Developed?
There are two primary reasons why it is necessary to have tooth numbers dental. The first reason is that there are many different systems for naming teeth. The second reason is that people can forget which tooth is which when having a procedure performed on their teeth. Tooth numbering charts have been developed to address both of these issues, and they have been updated over time to reflect modern dental practices.
What Is A Tooth Numbering Chart?
A tooth numbering chart is a diagram that illustrates each tooth and its dental process with a unique number. Dentists, hygienists, and other dental professionals use these charts to track treatment progress for every tooth. For example, if you have x-rays taken during your initial consultation with a dentist, it’s likely that he or she will attach them to your chart so everyone can quickly see where you’re at in terms of oral health. Here are some things that might be on your teeth numbering chart
Why Are Teeth Numbered?
Understanding how tooth numbering works makes it easier to refer to specific teeth or talk about them with your dentist. Many dentists and hygienists use some variation of a numbering system that identifies each tooth as a unique unit (see How Do Dentists and Hygienists Name Teeth?). Because teeth are uniquely identified by their numbers, it’s easy to communicate between clinicians, between clinicians and patients, and from one exam room to another. It also makes communication easier for a dental team that includes specialists in orthodontics, periodontics (gum disease), oral surgery, endodontics (root canals), pediatrics, restorative dentistry (dentures), crowns, bridges), trauma/implant dentistry and oral medicine.
The Lingual Surface Of The Teeth (Tooth #1)
The lingual surface of teeth is where you will find tooth #1. The lingual surface is more commonly referred to as your tongue side. An easy way to remember where tooth #1 is located. If you were able to see your teeth and look at them in a mirror. Just imagine yourself saying yes with an exclamation point at its end. Tooth #1 would be on top of your mouth near that exclamation point! If you were only looking at a picture and not at yourself in a mirror, tooth #1 would be positioned right beside your two front incisors (canines). If you needed more help remembering where it was, here’s an additional tip: tooth #2 will always be behind (or back) from tooth number 1.
The Occlusal Surface Of The Tooth (Tooth #2)
The occlusal surface of tooth #2 is located on its chewing surface. Dental professionals use Tooth #2 when talking about an individual tooth’s location within a patient’s mouth. For example, you may have had your wisdom teeth removed and be wondering if a post. Or crown will impact your ability to chew comfortably. Your dentist will know exactly where in your mouth each of your extracted teeth was located thanks to dental charting.
