D1 · 22 min
Anterior anatomy
D1
Incisors and canines: cingulum, mamelons, ridges, and why the canine is the cornerstone.
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Incisors cut, they do not chew
The incisal edge is a ridge, not a table. Maxillary centrals are the widest anteriors. Mandibular centrals are the smallest teeth in the mouth and nearly symmetric. Mandibular laterals twist distolingually — that twist is the ID.
The cingulum is not decoration
It is a developmental lobe. It supports the lingual contour, hides a planned cingulum rest, and is where enamel is thick. Over-reduce it on a prep and you are in dentin with no where to hide the margin.
Canines
Longest teeth. The maxillary canine has a shorter mesial cusp ridge than distal. In laterotrusion, canine guidance should disclude the posterior teeth. Flatten that cusp in CAD and you have invented group function without asking.