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In Depth Tutorials and Information

Introduction to Dental Anatomy (Dental Anatomy, Physiology and Occlusion) Part

4

Measurement of Teeth
Readers who are not familiar with the Boley gauge should study its use before reading the following instructions on the application
of the table of measurements.

To understand the table, let us demonstrate the calibrations as recorded and the landmarks they encompass. There are eight
calibrations of each tooth to be remembered. These measurements are shown in the accompanying example for the maxillary
central incisor (see the example included in Table 1-1).

The method for measuring an anterior tooth is shown in Box 1-1 (Figures 1-21 through 1-27), and the posterior method is shown
in Box 1-2 (Figures 1-28 through 1-34).

Summary
Terminology is an established basis for communication, and therefore the importance of learning the nomenclature for dental
anatomy cannot be minimized. The terms used in describing the morphology of teeth are used in every aspect of dental practice.

Although there is no such thing as an established invariable norm in nature, in the study of anatomy it is necessary that there be
a starting point; therefore, we must begin with an arbitrary criterion, accepted after experimentation and due consideration. Since
restorative dentistry must approach the scientific as closely as manual dexterity will allow, models, plans, photographs, and natural
specimens should be given preference over the written text on this subject.

Figure 1-18 Occlusal view of the models shown in Figures 1-16 and 1-17.

Table 1-1 Measurements of the Teeth: Specifications for Drawing and Carving Teeth of Average Size*

Mesiodistal Labio- or Labio- or

Length Length Mesiodistal Curvature of Curvature of
Diameter of Buccolingual Buccolingual
of of Diameter of Cervical Line Cervical Line
Crown at Diameter of Diameter of Crown
Crown Root Crown1 —Mesial —Distal
Cervix Crown at Cervix

Maxillary
Teeth

Central
10.5 13.0 8.5 7.0 7.0 6.0 3.5 2.5
incisor

Lateral
9.0 13.0 6.5 5.0 6.0 5.0 3.0 2.0
incisor

Canine 10.0 17.0 7.5 5.5 8.0 7.0 2.5 1.5

First
8.5 14.0 7.0 5.0 9.0 8.0 1.0 0.0
premolar

Second
8.5 14.0 7.0 5.0 9.0 8.0 1.0 0.0
premolar

First molar 7.5 BL 10.0 8.0 11.0 10.0 1.0 0.0

12 13

Second
7.0 BL 9.0 7.0 11.0 10.0 1.0 0.0
molar

11 12

Third
6.5 11.0 8.5 6.5 10.0 9.5 1.0 0.0
molar

Mandibular
Teeth

Central
9.0* 12.5 5.0 3.5 6.0 5.3 3.0 2.0
incisor

Lateral
9.5* 14.0 5.5 4.0 6.5 5.8 3.0 2.0
incisor

Canine 11.0 16.0 7.0 5.5 7.5 7.0 2.5 1.0

First
8.5 14.0 7.0 5.0 7.5 6.5 1.0 0.0
premolar

Second
8.0 14.5 7.0 5.0 8.0 7.0 1.0 0.0
premolar

First molar 7.5 14.0 11.0 9.0 10.5 9.0 1.0 0.0

Second
7.0 13.0 10.5 8.0 10.0 9.0 1.0 0.0
molar

Third
7.0 11.0 10.0 7.5 9.5 9.0 1.0 0.0
molar

B, Buccal; L, Lingual.

*In millimeters. This table has been "proved" by carvings shown in Figures 1-16 and 1-17.

The sum of the mesiodistal diameters, both right and left, which gives the arch length, is maxillary, 128 mm; mandibular, 126 mm.

Lingual measurement is approximately 0.5 mm longer.

Table 1-1 Measurements of the Teeth: Specifications for Drawing and Carving Teeth of Average Size—cont’d

Measurements of the Teeth: an Example*

Labio- or Labio- or
Length Length Mesiodistal Mesiodistal Curvature of Curvature of
Buccolingual Buccolingual
of of Diameter of Diameter of Cervical Line Cervical Line
Diameter of Diameter of Crown
Crown Root Crown1 Crown at Cervix —Mesial —Distal
Crown at Cervix

Maxillary
Teeth
10.5 13.0 8.5 7.0 7.0 6.0 3.5 2.5
Central
incisor

*In millimeters.

The sum of the mesiodistal diameters, both right and left, which gives the arch length, is maxillary, 128 mm; mandibular, 126 mm.

Figure 1-19 Maxillary left canine. When viewing the mesial and distal aspects, note the curvature or bulge on the crown at
the cervical third below the cementoenamel junction. This is called the cervical ridge, or the cervicoenamel ridge.

Figure 1-20 Maxillary right first molar. When viewing the mesial and distal aspects, note the curvature or bulge on the
crown at the cervical third below the cementoenamel junction.

1-1 Method of Measuring an Anterior Tooth—cont’d

*Use the parallel beaks of the Boley gauge for measurements whenever feasible. The contrast of the various curvatures with the
straight edges will help to make the close observer more familiar with tooth outlines.

1-1 Method of Measuring an Anterior Tooth—cont’d

fThis measurement is most important because normally it represents the extent oof curvature approximately of the periodontal
attachment when the tooth is in situ.

1-1 Method of Measuring an Anterior Tooth—cont’d

1-1 Method of Measuring an Anterior Tooth—cont’d

Every curve and segment of a normal tooth has some functional basis, and it is important to reproduce them accurately. The
successful clinician in dentistry or, for that matter, any designer of dental restorations should be able to mentally create pictures of
the teeth from any aspect and relate those aspects of dental anatomy to function. Complete pictures can be formed only when one
is familiar with the main details of tooth form.

N E X T P O S T: Development and Eruption of the Teeth (Dental Anatomy, Physiology and Occlusion) Part 1
P R E V I O U S P O S T: Introduction to Dental Anatomy (Dental Anatomy, Physiology and Occlusion) Part 3

R L

Dental Anatomy, Physiology and Occlusion

Introduction to Dental Anatomy (Dental Anatomy, Physiology and
Occlusion) Part 1
Introduction to Dental Anatomy (Dental Anatomy, Physiology and
Occlusion) Part 2

Introduction to Dental Anatomy (Dental Anatomy, Physiology and

Occlusion) Part 3
Development and Eruption of the Teeth (Dental Anatomy,
Physiology and Occlusion) Part 1

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