The incisors contribute

significantly in cutting actions and other functions;

esthetics; and phonetics.

Canines. The canines possess the longest roots of all

teeth and are located at the corners of the dental arch. They
function in the seizing, piercing, and tearing food, as well as in
cuttin.stocky anatomic form of the crown and length of the root of
these teeth are strong,stable abutment teeth for a fixed or removable
prosthesis.The canines serve as important guides in occlusion because
of their anchorage and position in the dental arches
Premolars. The premolars serve a dual role in function;
they act like the canines in the tearing of food and
are similar to molars in the grinding of food.

Molars. The molars are large, multicusped, strongly

anchored teeth located nearest the temporomandibular
joint (TMJ), which serves as the fulcrum during function
(see Fig. 2-54). These teeth have a major role in the
crushing, grinding, and chewing of food to the smallest
dimensions suitable for deglutition.
The premolars and molars are also important in maintaining
the vertical dimension of the face (see Figs. 2-1 and 2-2).

The hardest substance of the human body is enamel. Hardness

may vary over the external tooth surface according
to the location; also, it decreases inward, with hardness
lowest at the DEJ. The density of enamel also decreases
from the surface to the DEJ. Enamel is a very brittle
structure with a high elastic modulus and low tensile
strength, which indicates a rigid structure. However,
dentin is a highly compressive tissue that acts as a cushion
for the enamel. Enamel requires a base of dentin to
withstand masticatory forces.