Four Years

View from in front, the permanent upper central and intermediate incisors are in contact with corresponding lower teeth. The jaws have acquired so much width for the centrals and intermediates that the deciduous corners can scarcely be seen. In profile, the corners appear very small; the upper corner is shown being pushed from its alveolus. In the lower jaw the canine is seen cutting the gum. (Canines may erupt as early as three and one-half years but usually at four years and three months and as late as five years.) The Dental tables of the centrals show wear but their cups are deep. The intermediates are in wear but sharp; the deciduous upper corners show a portion of their roots exposed.

Five Years

Permanent dentition is complete; all teeth are in wear. Viewed from in front, the jaws appear convex in both directions. In profile, they have a similar disposition. The canines have erupted completely. The dental tables of the centrals and intermediates are wide transversely, show wear, but their cups are readily visible and completely encircled by the central enamel. The corners are commencing to wear at their labial border. (It is imperative that the form and dimensions of the central enamel be considered carefully.)

Glossary of Terms

Cup. The dark or dark-brown to black cavity in the infundibulum.
Deciduous teeth. Temporary, fetal, milk or baby teeth. They are
characterized primarily by their smaller size, constricted neck and shallow cup.
Dental star. The darker dentin
that fills the pulp cavity as the tooth wears. It is dark yellow to yellowish-brown.
Dental table. The table, masticatory or occlusal surface.
Eruption. Pertains to the period when a tooth breaks through the gum.
Galvayne’s groove. The longitudinal depression on the labial surface of
the upper corner (I3) incisor. The cementum remains in the groove as
a dark line; the rest of the surface is worn to expose the white enamel.
Incisor teeth. Starting at the midline incisors are designated as centrals(I1), intermediates (I2) and corners (I3).
Infundibulum. The deep
invagination of enamel which is filled with a variable amount of cement. Commonly referred to as the “cup.”
Labial surface. Surface toward
the lips.
Lingual surface. Surface toward the tongue.
Permanent teeth. Second dentition or adult teeth.