What is the Difference Between Maxillary Central and Lateral Incisor?
🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚The maxillary central and lateral incisors are both located in the upper jaw and are part of the row of incisors. They have some similarities, but there are key differences between them:
- Size: Maxillary central incisors are larger than lateral incisors in both permanent and deciduous dentition.
- Incisal Edge: The incisal edge of central incisors is straight when viewed from the buccal aspect, while the incisal edge of lateral incisors slopes toward the distal side, giving them a shorter distal crown height.
- Crown Shape: The incisal outline of the maxillary central incisor is somewhat triangular, with the labial outline being broadly curved. The crown of the maxillary lateral incisor is also longer incisocervically, but it is considerably narrower mesiodistally than the crown of the maxillary central incisor.
- Root Length: The maxillary lateral incisor root is longer than the central incisor root, resulting in a root that appears longer in proportion to the crown than on the central incisor.
- Cervical Line Curvature: The curvature of the mesial cervical line of the maxillary central incisor extends incisally one-fourth or more of the crown length, while the distal cervical line curves less. The mesial cervical line of the maxillary lateral incisor also has considerable curvature.
In summary, maxillary central and lateral incisors differ in size, incisal edge shape, crown shape, root length, and cervical line curvature.
On this pageWhat is the Difference Between Maxillary Central and Lateral Incisor? Comparative Table: Maxillary Central vs Lateral Incisor
Comparative Table: Maxillary Central vs Lateral Incisor
The main differences between maxillary central and lateral incisors are their size, shape, and position in the mouth. Here is a table summarizing the differences:
Feature | Maxillary Central Incisor | Maxillary Lateral Incisor |
---|---|---|
Size | Larger | Smaller, narrower |
Shape | Triangular, bulkier crown | More slender, similar to central incisor but shorter and narrower |
Position | Central, erupts at 7-8 years of age | Lateral, erupts later than central incisor |
Cervical Line Curvature | Less extensive from distal aspect | More extensive from distal aspect |
Incisal Aspect | Thicker crown, convex outline | Slightly off-center cingulum, mesial marginal ridge longer than distal marginal ridge |
Both maxillary central and lateral incisors are located in the upper jaw and are derived from the maxillary bone. They share similar functions, such as cutting food during mastication to form the food bolus.
Read more:
- Maxillary vs Mandibular Canine
- Maxillary vs Mandibular Molars
- First vs Second Premolar
- Medial vs Lateral
- Deciduous vs Permanent Teeth
- Tooth vs Teeth
- Primary vs Secondary Dentin
- Micrognathia vs Retrognathia
- Dentist vs Orthodontist
- Basal Bone vs Alveolar Bone
- Centric Occlusion vs Centric Relation
- Crowns vs Veneers
- Apical Intercalary vs Lateral Meristem
- Periapical Abscess vs Periodontal Abscess
- Herbivores vs Carnivores Teeth
- Lidocaine vs Lignocaine
- Bicuspid Valve vs Tricuspid Valve
- Apical vs Lateral Meristems
- Tarsal vs Metatarsal