Intraoral Scanning and Its Advantages

Intraoral Scanning and Its Advantages

Understanding brackets: Types and functions in orthodontic treatment

In recent years, the field of dentistry has witnessed a significant shift with the introduction of intraoral scanning, challenging the conventional impression methods that have long been the standard. Traditional impression techniques, involving materials like alginate or polyvinyl siloxane (PVS), have been instrumental in dental practices for decades. However, with advancements in digital technology, intraoral scanning has emerged as a powerful alternative, offering numerous advantages that are transforming the way dental professionals operate.


Traditional impression methods involve taking physical molds of a patient's teeth using impression materials. These molds are then sent offsite for casting into stone models used for creating dental prostheses such as crowns or bridges etc.. Orthodontic treatments can improve speech and chewing functions Orthodontics for young children patient. While these methods are reliable and well-established, they come with several drawbacks. The process can be messy and sometimes uncomfortable for patients, especially those with a sensitive gag reflex. Additionally, there is always a risk of material distortion or errors during transportation to labs which can affect final restoration fit and function .


In contrast, intraoral scanning eliminates many of these issues by digitizing the process. This method utilizes advanced optical technology to capture detailed 3D images of the patient's oral cavity. The data is then processed digitally to create virtual models that can be used immediately for diagnostic purposes or sent electronically to laboratories for fabrication of restorations.


One of the most notable advantages of intraoral scanning is its enhanced accuracy and precision. Digital impressions provide highly detailed representations of teeth and surrounding tissues, reducing the margin for error significantly compared to traditional methods. This precision leads to better-fitting restorations, which ultimately improves patient satisfaction and treatment outcomes.


Another key benefit is the improved patient experience. Intraoral scanning is non-invasive and generally more comfortable for patients than traditional impressions. The process is quicker and less likely to induce gagging or discomfort, making it particularly beneficial for patients with sensitive gag reflexes or anxiety about dental procedures . Furthermore digital scans eliminate need for messy trays filled with gooey material that need be held against teeth while it sets , making whole experience much cleaner overall .


Efficiency is another area where intraoral scanning excels . Time spent on taking impressions reduces considerably : once scan completed , data can instantly transmitted to lab unlike physical mold which needs transported physically . This efficiency translates into time savings both dentist office & lab resulting faster turnaround times for restorations allowing earlier treatment completion benefiting both practitioner & patient alike .


Additionally , Digital workflow facilitated by Intraoral Scanners allows better communication between clinicians & laboratory technicians through shared access digital files , enabling more accurate collaboration during restoration design phase leading superior end results further enhancing quality care provided .


In conclusion , while traditional impression methods served dentistry well over years , transition towards digital solutions like Intra oral Scanning represents clear step forward offering myriad benefits ranging from improved accuracy comfort efficiency providing modern day practitioners tools deliver highest standards care possible today's demanding healthcare landscape making adoption worthwhile endeavor indeed !

The process of fitting brackets on children's teeth —

In the realm orthodontics planning especially when dealing children precision accuracy are paramount Intraoral scanning has emerged powerful tool ensuring orthodontists gain accurate precise images necessary creating effective treatment plans This technology revolutionary way capturing detailed representations oral structures addressing limitations traditional impression methods which could cause discomfort particularly young patients Intraoral scanners utilize sophisticated optical technology capture intricate nuances teeth gums surrounding tissues converting data highly detailed three dimensional digital models These models serve essential role orthodontists assess diagnose align treatment needs comprehensively see potential outcomes interventions beforehand Accuracy refers closeness measurement true value With scanners ability capture fine details exact measurements virtually eliminates risks errors distortions associated manual impressions This level accuracy allows orthodontists determine precise position alignment teeth plan movements accordingly Precision consistency results obtained repeated measurements High precision ensures reliability uniformity offering confidence during procedures such bracket placement customization appliances These enhancements contribute overall efficiency effectiveness treatments For instance clear aligners require utmost precision manufacturing fit correctly comfortably Scanners enable fabrication aligners fit accurately ensuring predictable tooth movement desired results Thus incorporating scanning pediatric orthodontics streamlines planning processes reduces potential discomfort anxiety enhances patient cooperation Moreover non invasiveness speed procedure make appealing alternative conventional methods Ultimately embracing such advancements elevates standards care helps achieve optimal outcomes contributing positive lifelong impacts children' oral health

Citations and other links

How brackets contribute to the alignment and movement of teeth

Intraoral scanning has revolutionized the dental industry, offering numerous advantages, particularly when it comes to patient comfort-a factor especially important when dealing children who might find traditional impression methods uncomfortable or intimidating-patient comfort is paramount.


Traditional impression methods involve using alginate or polyvinyl siloxane (PVS) materials which require patients remain still while trays containing these materials cover their teeth until set; an unpleasant experience involving odd tastes & smells which may provoke anxiety & discomfort especially amongst younger ones finding these unbearable leading towards distress during procedures affecting results negatively too resulting sometimes needing retakes further prolong agony plus causing delays treatment plans thereby creating inconveniences both patient & practitioner alike including extra costs involved remaking impressions etcetera making overall process less efficient whereas opposite holds true regarding digital dentistry technological advancements introducing alternative like Intra oral Scanners enhancing overall experiential outcome positively benefiting clinical outcomes simultaneously improving efficiency reducing chairside times significantly thereby boost productivity levels exponentially allowing dentists treat increased numbers patients effectively within shorter spanned periods minimizing operational expenditures without compromising quality services provided hence provinging economically viable option modern dental practices today enabling growth sustainably whilst maintaining high standards care offered clients ensuring satisfactory results consistently delivered through adoption innovative technologies available market currently dominating industry trends globally transformational impact witnessed since introduction making indispensable tool contemporary oral healthcare settings worldwide revolutionizing approaches restorative treatments cosmetic prosthetics among others providing precise accurate detailed images necessary designing customized appliances tailored individual needs precisely fitting ensuring optimal functionality aesthetics longevity enhancing smiles transform lives ultimately contributing societal wellbeing general fostering happier healthier communities thriving prosperously driven preventive curative interventions delivered seamlessly courtesy cutting edge technologies embraced wholeheartedly practitioners committed excellence field expertise demonstrating highest levels proficiency finesse artistry sciences combined synergistically culminating exceptional patient experiences transformational journeys witnessed clinics employ progressive methodologies advocated herein elaborated succinctly articulating benefits emanating adoption thereof concluding essay reiterating significance emphasizing relevance context outlined initially highlight importance prioritizing patient comfort amidst pediatric populations specifically whilst promoting broader acceptance applicability within wider demographics encompass diverse age groups sharing common goal enhancing ease convenience reliability precision oral healthcare provision universally accessible equitably affordably ensuring inclusivity across spectrum socioeconomic background cultural diversities prevalent society fostering harmonious coexistence based mutual respect trust built solid foundations ethical professionalism demonstrated throughout interaction engagement process endearing lifelong bonds cultivated nurtured strengthened continuous learning evolution growth collective empowerment enrichment benefiting holistically interconnected ecosystem flourishing sustainably conscientious mindful approach guided empathy compassionate values core driving forces motivating actions endeavors aimed elevating elevate lives touched influenced positively through dedicated passionate commitment cause promoting greater good enhancing quality living standards elevating humanity transcending boundaries limitations exploring infinite possibilities potential hidden within realm digital dentistry unfolding revolutionizes transform healthcare landscape reshaping futures bright promising horizons await exploration venturing boldly embracing change innovatively creatively envision future beholds witness transformations unfurl magical journey called life!

Benefits of early orthodontic intervention with brackets for kids

Intraoral scanning has revolutionized the way dental professionals create impressions, offering a significant boost to efficiency and speed, particularly when it comes to initiating orthodontic treatment for kids.


Traditional methods of taking dental impressions often involve biting into a tray filled with alginate material-a process many kids find messy; uncomfortable; prone causing anxiety; added sometimes requiring multiple attempts . This procedure can lead lengthier appointments . However ,with introduction digital technology via oral scanners , entire process transform dramatically . Here' s why :Intraoral scanning utilizes advanced digital technology enabling dentist capture incredibly detailed precise images patient' s dentition quickly efficiently . Handheld wand scanner simply moved around mouth taking pictures teeth structures surrounding soft tissue . These images stitched together real-time creating highly accurate three-dimensional virtual model .


The digitization process eliminates need traditional molds thereby expediting timeline considerably . Instead sending physical impression lab having wait days weeks , digital files transmitted instantly technicians who can begin designing treatment plans right away . Consequence , kids spend less chair time experience reduced discomfort streamlined overall impression-taking session . Moreover , since models stored digitally they easily accessible future reference allowing adjustments made without retaking impressions if necessary .


Another key advantage involves patient engagement . See immediate visualization their own teeth model screen often motivates young patients cooperate eagerly throughout procedure . Furthermore , parents appreciate viewing detailed visualizations understanding proposed treatments better engaging discussion treatment choices benefits expectations . Parkinson' s Law states “Work expands so fill time available its completion” yet opposite true here - streamlining workflow through intraoral scanning allows quicker progression next stages planning implementation reducing overall duration initiating orthodontic care children.


In summary , adoption intraoral scanning brings forth vast improvements over conventional techniques facilitating faster commencement orthodontic interventions kids fostering positive experiences increased satisfaction amongst families involved process ultimately leading superior outcomes everyone concerned greatly rewarding experience indeed!

The role of parental support during orthodontic treatment with brackets

Intraoral scanning has revolutionized the field of orthodontics, bringing with it a suite of advantages that have significantly enhanced patient care and treatment outcomes. Among its many benefits, one standout feature is the reduced need for retakes, particularly crucial when dealing with growing children.


Traditional methods of taking dental impressions often involved messy and uncomfortable materials like alginate or polyvinyl siloxane. These methods were not only unpleasant for patients but also prone to errors. Minor movements or discomfort could lead to distorted impressions, necessitating retakes and prolonging the treatment process. This was especially challenging for children, who might struggle to sit still or cooperate fully during the impression-taking process.


Intraoral scanning eliminates these issues by providing a precise and comfortable alternative. The digital scanners capture detailed 3D images of the teeth and gums, creating highly accurate virtual models. This precision ensures that orthodontic appliances, such as braces or clear aligners, fit perfectly the first time. The digital nature of the process allows orthodontists to review and adjust the scans immediately, ensuring accuracy before any appliances are manufactured.


For growing children, this level of precision is invaluable. Children's mouths are constantly developing, and ill-fitting appliances can hinder growth or cause discomfort. By reducing the need for retakes, intraoral scanning ensures that children receive effective treatment without unnecessary delays or repeated procedures. This not only saves time but also minimizes stress and anxiety for young patients, making their orthodontic experience more positive overall.


Moreover, the digital records created by intraoral scanners can be stored and accessed easily, providing a comprehensive history of a child's dental development. This continuity of care is essential for long-term treatment planning and monitoring progress over time. Orthodontists can make informed decisions based on accurate data, leading to more effective and efficient treatment outcomes.


In summary, intraoral scanning's ability to reduce the need for retakes through its precision and accuracy is a game-changer in orthodontics. It ensures that appliances fit perfectly from the start, which is especially important for growing children who require careful and considerate care. This advancement not only improves treatment efficiency but also enhances patient comfort and satisfaction, paving the way for better orthodontic care overall.

Long-term effects and maintenance after bracket removal

Intraoral scanning has revolutionized orthodontic treatment, especially for kids, by offering a plethora of long-term benefits that extend beyond the immediate conveniences. This innovative technology uses digital scans to create precise 3D images of the teeth and mouth, replacing traditional impressions that often cause discomfort and anxiety in younger patients.


One of the most significant long-term benefits is improved treatment outcomes. The high accuracy of intraoral scans allows orthodontists to plan treatments more effectively, ensuring that each child receives personalized care tailored to their specific needs. This precision can lead to better results, such as straighter teeth, improved bite alignment, and enhanced facial aesthetics, which can have a lasting positive impact on a child's self-esteem and overall well-being.


Another advantage is the reduction in chair time over multiple visits. Traditional impression methods often require repeated appointments for adjustments and corrections, which can be time-consuming and stressful for both children and their parents. In contrast, intraoral scans provide instantaneous digital models that can be immediately analyzed and adjusted if necessary. This efficiency reduces the number of visits required, making the entire process more comfortable and less disruptive to daily life.


Moreover, the digital nature of intraoral scans allows for better communication between orthodontists, dentists, and other healthcare providers involved in a child's care. The ability to share these highly detailed 3D images ensures that everyone is on the same page regarding treatment plans and progress, leading to more coordinated and effective care over time.


In addition to clinical advantages, there are emotional benefits as well. Children who undergo orthodontic treatment often experience anxiety about the process. Intraoral scanning helps alleviate these fears by making the initial stages of treatment less invasive and more comfortable. A positive early experience can set a good precedent for future dental care, fostering a healthier attitude towards oral health throughout their lives.


Finally, from an educational standpoint, introducing children to advanced dental technology at an early age can pique their interest in science and healthcare fields. This exposure might inspire some kids to pursue careers in dentistry or related medical professions later on-a long-term societal benefit that goes beyond individual oral health improvements.


In conclusion, incorporating intraoral scanning into orthodontic treatment for kids offers numerous long-term benefits ranging from improved treatment outcomes to reduced chair time over multiple visits. These advantages not only enhance oral health but also positively impact children's emotional well-being and overall outlook on dental care-benefits that will last well into adulthood.

This article is about teeth in general. For specifically human teeth, see Human tooth. For other uses, see Tooth (disambiguation).

 

Tooth
A chimpanzee displaying his teeth
Details
Identifiers
Latin dens
MeSH D014070
FMA 12516
Anatomical terminology
[edit on Wikidata]

A tooth (pl.: teeth) is a hard, calcified structure found in the jaws (or mouths) of many vertebrates and used to break down food. Some animals, particularly carnivores and omnivores, also use teeth to help with capturing or wounding prey, tearing food, for defensive purposes, to intimidate other animals often including their own, or to carry prey or their young. The roots of teeth are covered by gums. Teeth are not made of bone, but rather of multiple tissues of varying density and hardness that originate from the outermost embryonic germ layer, the ectoderm.

The general structure of teeth is similar across the vertebrates, although there is considerable variation in their form and position. The teeth of mammals have deep roots, and this pattern is also found in some fish, and in crocodilians. In most teleost fish, however, the teeth are attached to the outer surface of the bone, while in lizards they are attached to the inner surface of the jaw by one side. In cartilaginous fish, such as sharks, the teeth are attached by tough ligaments to the hoops of cartilage that form the jaw.[1]

Monophyodonts are animals that develop only one set of teeth, while diphyodonts grow an early set of deciduous teeth and a later set of permanent or "adult" teeth. Polyphyodonts grow many sets of teeth. For example, sharks, grow a new set of teeth every two weeks to replace worn teeth. Most extant mammals including humans are diphyodonts, but there are exceptions including elephants, kangaroos, and manatees, all of which are polyphyodonts.

Rodent incisors grow and wear away continually through gnawing, which helps maintain relatively constant length. The industry of the beaver is due in part to this qualification. Some rodents, such as voles and guinea pigs (but not mice), as well as lagomorpha (rabbits, hares and pikas), have continuously growing molars in addition to incisors.[2][3] Also, tusks (in tusked mammals) grow almost throughout life.[4]

Teeth are not always attached to the jaw, as they are in mammals. In many reptiles and fish, teeth are attached to the palate or to the floor of the mouth, forming additional rows inside those on the jaws proper. Some teleosts even have teeth in the pharynx. While not true teeth in the usual sense, the dermal denticles of sharks are almost identical in structure and are likely to have the same evolutionary origin. Indeed, teeth appear to have first evolved in sharks, and are not found in the more primitive jawless fish – while lampreys do have tooth-like structures on the tongue, these are in fact, composed of keratin, not of dentine or enamel, and bear no relationship to true teeth.[1] Though "modern" teeth-like structures with dentine and enamel have been found in late conodonts, they are now supposed to have evolved independently of later vertebrates' teeth.[5][6]

Living amphibians typically have small teeth, or none at all, since they commonly feed only on soft foods. In reptiles, teeth are generally simple and conical in shape, although there is some variation between species, most notably the venom-injecting fangs of snakes. The pattern of incisors, canines, premolars and molars is found only in mammals, and to varying extents, in their evolutionary ancestors. The numbers of these types of teeth vary greatly between species; zoologists use a standardised dental formula to describe the precise pattern in any given group.[1]

Etymology

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The word tooth comes from Proto-Germanic *tanþs, derived from the Proto-Indo-European *h₁dent-, which was composed of the root *h₁ed- 'to eat' plus the active participle suffix *-nt, therefore literally meaning 'that which eats'.[7]

The irregular plural form teeth is the result of Germanic umlaut whereby vowels immediately preceding a high vocalic in the following syllable were raised. As the nominative plural ending of the Proto-Germanic consonant stems (to which *tanþs belonged) was *-iz, the root vowel in the plural form *tanþiz (changed by this point to *tÄ…Ì„þi via unrelated phonological processes) was raised to /œÃƒÆ’‹Â/, and later unrounded to /eː/, resulting in the tōþ/tÄ“þ alternation attested from Old English. Cf. also Old English bōc/bÄ“Ä‹ 'book/books' and 'mÅ«s/mȳs' 'mouse/mice', from Proto-Germanic *bōks/bōkiz and *mÅ«s/mÅ«siz respectively.

Cognate with Latin dÄ“ns, Greek á½€δούς (odous), and Sanskrit dát.

Origin

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Teeth are assumed to have evolved either from ectoderm denticles (scales, much like those on the skin of sharks) that folded and integrated into the mouth (called the "outside–in" theory), or from endoderm pharyngeal teeth (primarily formed in the pharynx of jawless vertebrates) (the "inside–out" theory). In addition, there is another theory stating that neural crest gene regulatory network, and neural crest-derived ectomesenchyme are the key to generate teeth (with any epithelium, either ectoderm or endoderm).[4][8]

The genes governing tooth development in mammals are homologous to those involved in the development of fish scales.[9] Study of a tooth plate of a fossil of the extinct fish Romundina stellina showed that the teeth and scales were made of the same tissues, also found in mammal teeth, lending support to the theory that teeth evolved as a modification of scales.[10]

Mammals

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Main article: Mammal tooth

Teeth are among the most distinctive (and long-lasting) features of mammal species. Paleontologists use teeth to identify fossil species and determine their relationships. The shape of the animal's teeth are related to its diet. For example, plant matter is hard to digest, so herbivores have many molars for chewing and grinding. Carnivores, on the other hand, have canine teeth to kill prey and to tear meat.

Mammals, in general, are diphyodont, meaning that they develop two sets of teeth. In humans, the first set (the "baby", "milk", "primary" or "deciduous" set) normally starts to appear at about six months of age, although some babies are born with one or more visible teeth, known as neonatal teeth. Normal tooth eruption at about six months is known as teething and can be painful. Kangaroos, elephants, and manatees are unusual among mammals because they are polyphyodonts.

Aardvark

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In aardvarks, teeth lack enamel and have many pulp tubules, hence the name of the order Tubulidentata.[11]

Canines

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In dogs, the teeth are less likely than humans to form dental cavities because of the very high pH of dog saliva, which prevents enamel from demineralizing.[12] Sometimes called cuspids, these teeth are shaped like points (cusps) and are used for tearing and grasping food.[13]

Cetaceans

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Main article: Baleen

Like human teeth, whale teeth have polyp-like protrusions located on the root surface of the tooth. These polyps are made of cementum in both species, but in human teeth, the protrusions are located on the outside of the root, while in whales the nodule is located on the inside of the pulp chamber. While the roots of human teeth are made of cementum on the outer surface, whales have cementum on the entire surface of the tooth with a very small layer of enamel at the tip. This small enamel layer is only seen in older whales where the cementum has been worn away to show the underlying enamel.[14]

The toothed whale is a parvorder of the cetaceans characterized by having teeth. The teeth differ considerably among the species. They may be numerous, with some dolphins bearing over 100 teeth in their jaws. On the other hand, the narwhals have a giant unicorn-like tusk, which is a tooth containing millions of sensory pathways and used for sensing during feeding, navigation, and mating. It is the most neurologically complex tooth known. Beaked whales are almost toothless, with only bizarre teeth found in males. These teeth may be used for feeding but also for demonstrating aggression and showmanship.

Primates

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Main articles: Human tooth and Dental anatomy

In humans (and most other primates), there are usually 20 primary (also "baby" or "milk") teeth, and later up to 32 permanent teeth. Four of these 32 may be third molars or wisdom teeth, although these are not present in all adults, and may be removed surgically later in life.[15]

Among primary teeth, 10 of them are usually found in the maxilla (i.e. upper jaw) and the other 10 in the mandible (i.e. lower jaw). Among permanent teeth, 16 are found in the maxilla and the other 16 in the mandible. Most of the teeth have uniquely distinguishing features.

Horse

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Main article: Horse teeth

An adult horse has between 36 and 44 teeth. The enamel and dentin layers of horse teeth are intertwined.[16] All horses have 12 premolars, 12 molars, and 12 incisors.[17] Generally, all male equines also have four canine teeth (called tushes) between the molars and incisors. However, few female horses (less than 28%) have canines, and those that do usually have only one or two, which many times are only partially erupted.[18] A few horses have one to four wolf teeth, which are vestigial premolars, with most of those having only one or two. They are equally common in male and female horses and much more likely to be on the upper jaw. If present these can cause problems as they can interfere with the horse's bit contact. Therefore, wolf teeth are commonly removed.[17]

Horse teeth can be used to estimate the animal's age. Between birth and five years, age can be closely estimated by observing the eruption pattern on milk teeth and then permanent teeth. By age five, all permanent teeth have usually erupted. The horse is then said to have a "full" mouth. After the age of five, age can only be conjectured by studying the wear patterns on the incisors, shape, the angle at which the incisors meet, and other factors. The wear of teeth may also be affected by diet, natural abnormalities, and cribbing. Two horses of the same age may have different wear patterns.

A horse's incisors, premolars, and molars, once fully developed, continue to erupt as the grinding surface is worn down through chewing. A young adult horse will have teeth, which are 110–130 mm (4.5–5 inches) long, with the majority of the crown remaining below the gumline in the dental socket. The rest of the tooth will slowly emerge from the jaw, erupting about 3 mm (1⁄8 in) each year, as the horse ages. When the animal reaches old age, the crowns of the teeth are very short and the teeth are often lost altogether. Very old horses, if lacking molars, may need to have their fodder ground up and soaked in water to create a soft mush for them to eat in order to obtain adequate nutrition.

Proboscideans

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Section through the ivory tusk of a mammoth
Main article: Elephant ivory

Elephants' tusks are specialized incisors for digging food up and fighting. Some elephant teeth are similar to those in manatees, and elephants are believed to have undergone an aquatic phase in their evolution.

At birth, elephants have a total of 28 molar plate-like grinding teeth not including the tusks. These are organized into four sets of seven successively larger teeth which the elephant will slowly wear through during its lifetime of chewing rough plant material. Only four teeth are used for chewing at a given time, and as each tooth wears out, another tooth moves forward to take its place in a process similar to a conveyor belt. The last and largest of these teeth usually becomes exposed when the animal is around 40 years of age, and will often last for an additional 20 years. When the last of these teeth has fallen out, regardless of the elephant's age, the animal will no longer be able to chew food and will die of starvation.[19][20]

Rabbit

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Rabbits and other lagomorphs usually shed their deciduous teeth before (or very shortly after) their birth, and are usually born with their permanent teeth.[21] The teeth of rabbits complement their diet, which consists of a wide range of vegetation. Since many of the foods are abrasive enough to cause attrition, rabbit teeth grow continuously throughout life.[22] Rabbits have a total of six incisors, three upper premolars, three upper molars, two lower premolars, and two lower molars on each side. There are no canines. Dental formula is 2.0.3.31.0.2.3 = 28. Three to four millimeters of the tooth is worn away by incisors every week, whereas the cheek teeth require a month to wear away the same amount.[23]

The incisors and cheek teeth of rabbits are called aradicular hypsodont teeth. This is sometimes referred to as an elodent dentition. These teeth grow or erupt continuously. The growth or eruption is held in balance by dental abrasion from chewing a diet high in fiber.

Buccal view of top incisor from Rattus rattus. Top incisor outlined in yellow. Molars circled in blue.
Buccal view of the lower incisor from the right dentary of a Rattus rattus
Lingual view of the lower incisor from the right dentary of a Rattus rattus
Midsagittal view of top incisor from Rattus rattus. Top incisor outlined in yellow. Molars circled in blue.

Rodents

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Rodents have upper and lower hypselodont incisors that can continuously grow enamel throughout its life without having properly formed roots.[24] These teeth are also known as aradicular teeth, and unlike humans whose ameloblasts die after tooth development, rodents continually produce enamel, they must wear down their teeth by gnawing on various materials.[25] Enamel and dentin are produced by the enamel organ, and growth is dependent on the presence of stem cells, cellular amplification, and cellular maturation structures in the odontogenic region.[26] Rodent incisors are used for cutting wood, biting through the skin of fruit, or for defense. This allows for the rate of wear and tooth growth to be at equilibrium.[24] The microstructure of rodent incisor enamel has shown to be useful in studying the phylogeny and systematics of rodents because of its independent evolution from the other dental traits. The enamel on rodent incisors are composed of two layers: the inner portio interna (PI) with Hunter-Schreger bands (HSB) and an outer portio externa (PE) with radial enamel (RE).[27] It usually involves the differential regulation of the epithelial stem cell niche in the tooth of two rodent species, such as guinea pigs.[28][29]

Lingual view of top incisor from Rattus rattus. Top incisor outlined in yellow. Molars circled in blue.

The teeth have enamel on the outside and exposed dentin on the inside, so they self-sharpen during gnawing. On the other hand, continually growing molars are found in some rodent species, such as the sibling vole and the guinea pig.[28][29] There is variation in the dentition of the rodents, but generally, rodents lack canines and premolars, and have a space between their incisors and molars, called the diastema region.

Manatee

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Manatees are polyphyodont with mandibular molars developing separately from the jaw and are encased in a bony shell separated by soft tissue.[30][31]

Walrus

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Main article: Walrus ivory

Walrus tusks are canine teeth that grow continuously throughout life.[32]

Fish

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Teeth of a great white shark
See also: Pharyngeal teeth and Shark tooth

Fish, such as sharks, may go through many teeth in their lifetime. The replacement of multiple teeth is known as polyphyodontia.

A class of prehistoric shark are called cladodonts for their strange forked teeth.

Unlike the continuous shedding of functional teeth seen in modern sharks,[33][34] the majority of stem chondrichthyan lineages retained all tooth generations developed throughout the life of the animal.[35] This replacement mechanism is exemplified by the tooth whorl-based dentitions of acanthodians,[36] which include the oldest known toothed vertebrate, Qianodus duplicis[37].

Amphibians

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All amphibians have pedicellate teeth, which are modified to be flexible due to connective tissue and uncalcified dentine that separates the crown from the base of the tooth.[38]

Most amphibians exhibit teeth that have a slight attachment to the jaw or acrodont teeth. Acrodont teeth exhibit limited connection to the dentary and have little enervation.[39] This is ideal for organisms who mostly use their teeth for grasping, but not for crushing and allows for rapid regeneration of teeth at a low energy cost. Teeth are usually lost in the course of feeding if the prey is struggling. Additionally, amphibians that undergo a metamorphosis develop bicuspid shaped teeth.[40]

Reptiles

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The teeth of reptiles are replaced constantly throughout their lives. Crocodilian juveniles replace teeth with larger ones at a rate as high as one new tooth per socket every month. Once mature, tooth replacement rates can slow to two years and even longer. Overall, crocodilians may use 3,000 teeth from birth to death. New teeth are created within old teeth.[41]

Birds

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Main article: Ichthyornis

A skull of Ichthyornis discovered in 2014 suggests that the beak of birds may have evolved from teeth to allow chicks to escape their shells earlier, and thus avoid predators and also to penetrate protective covers such as hard earth to access underlying food.[42][43]

Invertebrates

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The European medicinal leech has three jaws with numerous sharp teeth which function like little saws for incising a host.

True teeth are unique to vertebrates,[44] although many invertebrates have analogous structures often referred to as teeth. The organisms with the simplest genome bearing such tooth-like structures are perhaps the parasitic worms of the family Ancylostomatidae.[45] For example, the hookworm Necator americanus has two dorsal and two ventral cutting plates or teeth around the anterior margin of the buccal capsule. It also has a pair of subdorsal and a pair of subventral teeth located close to the rear.[46]

Historically, the European medicinal leech, another invertebrate parasite, has been used in medicine to remove blood from patients.[47] They have three jaws (tripartite) that resemble saws in both appearance and function, and on them are about 100 sharp teeth used to incise the host. The incision leaves a mark that is an inverted Y inside of a circle. After piercing the skin and injecting anticoagulants (hirudin) and anaesthetics, they suck out blood, consuming up to ten times their body weight in a single meal.[48]

In some species of Bryozoa, the first part of the stomach forms a muscular gizzard lined with chitinous teeth that crush armoured prey such as diatoms. Wave-like peristaltic contractions then move the food through the stomach for digestion.[49]

The limpet rasps algae from rocks using teeth with the strongest known tensile strength of any biological material.

Molluscs have a structure called a radula, which bears a ribbon of chitinous teeth. However, these teeth are histologically and developmentally different from vertebrate teeth and are unlikely to be homologous. For example, vertebrate teeth develop from a neural crest mesenchyme-derived dental papilla, and the neural crest is specific to vertebrates, as are tissues such as enamel.[44]

The radula is used by molluscs for feeding and is sometimes compared rather inaccurately to a tongue. It is a minutely toothed, chitinous ribbon, typically used for scraping or cutting food before the food enters the oesophagus. The radula is unique to molluscs, and is found in every class of mollusc apart from bivalves.

Within the gastropods, the radula is used in feeding by both herbivorous and carnivorous snails and slugs. The arrangement of teeth (also known as denticles) on the radula ribbon varies considerably from one group to another as shown in the diagram on the left.

Predatory marine snails such as the Naticidae use the radula plus an acidic secretion to bore through the shell of other molluscs. Other predatory marine snails, such as the Conidae, use a specialized radula tooth as a poisoned harpoon. Predatory pulmonate land slugs, such as the ghost slug, use elongated razor-sharp teeth on the radula to seize and devour earthworms. Predatory cephalopods, such as squid, use the radula for cutting prey.

In most of the more ancient lineages of gastropods, the radula is used to graze by scraping diatoms and other microscopic algae off rock surfaces and other substrates. Limpets scrape algae from rocks using radula equipped with exceptionally hard rasping teeth.[50] These teeth have the strongest known tensile strength of any biological material, outperforming spider silk.[50] The mineral protein of the limpet teeth can withstand a tensile stress of 4.9 GPa, compared to 4 GPa of spider silk and 0.5 GPa of human teeth.[51]

 

Fossilization and taphonomy

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Because teeth are very resistant, often preserved when bones are not,[52] and reflect the diet of the host organism, they are very valuable to archaeologists and palaeontologists.[53] Early fish such as the thelodonts had scales composed of dentine and an enamel-like compound, suggesting that the origin of teeth was from scales which were retained in the mouth. Fish as early as the late Cambrian had dentine in their exoskeletons, which may have functioned in defense or for sensing their environments.[54] Dentine can be as hard as the rest of teeth and is composed of collagen fibres, reinforced with hydroxyapatite.[54]

Though teeth are very resistant, they also can be brittle and highly susceptible to cracking.[55] However, cracking of the tooth can be used as a diagnostic tool for predicting bite force. Additionally, enamel fractures can also give valuable insight into the diet and behaviour of archaeological and fossil samples.

Decalcification removes the enamel from teeth and leaves only the organic interior intact, which comprises dentine and cementine.[56] Enamel is quickly decalcified in acids,[57] perhaps by dissolution by plant acids or via diagenetic solutions, or in the stomachs of vertebrate predators.[56] Enamel can be lost by abrasion or spalling,[56] and is lost before dentine or bone are destroyed by the fossilisation process.[57] In such a case, the 'skeleton' of the teeth would consist of the dentine, with a hollow pulp cavity.[56] The organic part of dentine, conversely, is destroyed by alkalis.[57]

See also

[edit]
  • Animal tooth development
  • Dragon's teeth (mythology)

References

[edit]
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Sources

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  • Shoshani, Jeheskel (2002). "Tubulidentata". In Robertson, Sarah (ed.). Encyclopedia of Life Sciences. Vol. 18: Svedberg, Theodor to Two-hybrid and Related Systems. London, UK: Nature Publishing Group. ISBN 978-1-56159-274-6.
[edit]
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Look up tooth in Wiktionary, the free dictionary.
  • Beach, Chandler B., ed. (1914). "Teeth" . The New Student's Reference Work . Chicago: F. E. Compton and Co.