Teeth names and notations

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If you think that knowing the name of teeth and their notations is exclusive to dentists, think again! Although they are mostly used by dental professionals, they are also referenced by many professionals of several disciplines around the globe. Teeth notations are used to denote and specify information linked with a particular tooth. This allows for easy identification, communication and record keeping in an efficient yet precise manner. The four most common systems are the Universal numbering system, FDI/ISO 3950 System, Zsigmondy-Palmer notation (but more often referred to as only Palmer) and alphanumeric notation.

Each notation allows the ability to differentiate between deciduous and permanent dentitions:

• Deciduous or primary dentition: consists of 20 teeth, 10 teeth in each arch (maxillary/superior and mandibular/ inferior), containing 2 central incisors, 2 lateral incisors, 2 canines and 4 molars.
• Permanent dentition: consists of 32 teeth, 16 teeth in each arch, containing 2 central incisors, 2 lateral incisors, 2 canines, 4 premolars and 6 molars.

It’s important to note that every notation starts in the upper right from the patient’s point of view. To learn more about the names and notations used for each tooth, review the following image gallery where each notation is explained in depth:

To learn about the specific name and notation of each tooth, take a look at the following gallery:

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