Canines, cuspids, vampire teeth. These are the terms that are usually associated with the canine teeth. The latter is a more modern take off from the Dracula image of pop culture because they have been depicted as having fangs. The following is a narrative on some facts about the canine teeth.
1. Among the anterior teeth (central and lateral incisors and canines), the canine teeth are the last one to erupt. They come out at age 12. It is for this reason why a great bulk of orthodontic cases spring from canines out of alignment. Most often than not, there isn’t enough space for the cuspids upon their eruption, which could be due to either of the following:
• Early extraction of baby teeth. The baby teeth are considered as guides for the eruption of the permanent set. Once a baby tooth has been removed prior to its supposed exfoliation, the permanents begin to have the tendency to “wander” in the bone as they progress through eruption. The result: Canine teeth that are not in proper alignment.
• Wider diameters of permanent teeth that have erupted prior to the canine teeth. This leaves minimal space for them to erupt, and this is very likely because of the later age at which it comes out.
2. The canine teeth have the greatest root size. Their roots are usually the longest and largest. Molars may seem fit for the description, but their roots are usually divided into two or three. Therefore, the cuspids also are the strongest among all anteriors (which could account for being considered as an orthodontic anchor) and rather hard to remove in extraction cases.
3. They are dubbed as the cornerstones, together with the first permanent molars. The latter, being the first to erupt among all permanent teeth, thereby dictating the arch form and succeeding teeth’s position; the former being the smile endpoints.
4. Canine teeth usually have a deeper yellow hue than the rest. Try checking it out in the mirror. This is because of the second description above – their long and bulky roots. This means thicker dentin, which is responsible for the yellowish shade of teeth. Therefore, the obvious equation is, the “yellower,” the stronger, the better.
However, for the ever vain patient, this is not the case. The shade may cause someone’s disgust as it also ruins a perfect smile.
5. Canine teeth have the sharpest cusp or tip – again, very obvious. Posterior teeth (molars and premolars) have less pointed tips, with molars even having rounded ones as they primarily function for chewing. The cuspids slice and tear, functions which justify their anatomical form.
There are patients who are bothered by the sharpness, which they try to tone down through tooth re-contouring. The sharp tips are reduced to soften the appearance, which would also render a softer and more endearing smile.
In terms of taking care of your teeth, there is no choosing between molars and canines. Take care of each tooth regardless of their anatomy and position in the oral cavity. Submitting to decay and allowing your canine teeth to rot means a lesser hold on those yummy steaks and killer smiles.
If you need an effective solution for a Toothache? Click Here!
DentalPlans.com - Choose from over 30 top-quality national and regional discount dental plans.
