The term "anterior teeth" refers to the teeth located in the front of the mouth, including the incisors and canines. The spelling of this term can be explained through its phonetic transcription using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA): [ænˈtɪriər tiθ], where the first syllable "an" is pronounced with the open front unrounded vowel [æ]. The second syllable "te" is pronounced with the close-mid front unrounded vowel [ɪ], and the third syllable "ri" is pronounced with the rhotic vowel [ɪə]. The final syllable "eth" is pronounced with the voiceless interdental fricative [θ].
Anterior teeth refers to the group of teeth located at the front of the mouth in both the upper and lower jaws. These teeth are commonly referred to as the incisors and canines and are primarily responsible for biting, tearing, and cutting food during the process of mastication.
The anterior teeth are central to the appearance of one's smile and play a significant role in the overall aesthetics of the face. The incisors, which are the four front teeth in each jaw, are flat and thin-edged, allowing them to effectively bite into food. Their central position in the mouth also makes them essential for the pronunciation of certain sounds.
The canine teeth, also known as cuspids or "eyeteeth," are located next to the incisors on both sides of the upper and lower jaws. They are slightly pointed and more prominent, allowing them to grasp and tear food. Canines also contribute to the overall facial structure and play a role in guiding the alignment of the jaw.
Due to their prominent position and functional importance, the anterior teeth are crucial for maintaining proper oral health and speech abilities. They are also one of the most visible parts of a person's smile, making them a focal point during social interactions and a common area for cosmetic dental treatments such as teeth whitening, veneers, or orthodontic corrections.
The four incisors and two canine teeth in each jaw.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "anterior" in the context of teeth comes from the Latin word "ante", meaning "before" or "in front of". The term "anterior teeth" refers to the teeth located towards the front of the mouth, specifically the incisors and canines.