Incisors: The Front Teeth for Biting, Speech, and Smile Aesthetics

Incisors are the four central teeth in each arch (maxillary and mandibular)—eight total in the adult dentition. They are the first to erupt (primary ~6–12 months; permanent ~6–8 years) and serve critical functions:

• Incision/Biting: Sharp, chisel-shaped crowns slice food (e.g., biting an apple).
• Speech: Essential for labiodental sounds (/f/, /v/) and interdental sounds (/θ/, /ð/—"th").
• Aesthetics: Define smile line, lip support, facial harmony.
• Guidance: Incisal guidance influences mandibular excursion and posterior disclusion.

Types

• Central incisors (2 per arch): Larger, more symmetrical; maxillary centrals are the most prominent teeth in the smile.
• Lateral incisors (2 per arch): Smaller; maxillary laterals often show variation (peg-shaped, congenitally missing).

Common Concerns

• Trauma (avulsion, fracture—common in children)
• Diastema (spacing)
• Wear/erosion (bruxism, acid)
• Discoloration (intrinsic/extrinsic)
• Malalignment (orthodontics)

Regular dental exams monitor incisor health, alignment, and aesthetics.