Numbered tooth charts are used by your dentist to help you keep track of how your teeth are shifting or changing, and they’re incredibly easy to read, once you know how. Here’s the breakdown on how to read your tooth numbers chart!
What is a tooth chart
Orthodontists use dental charts that display different teeth numbers. These charts are meant to help orthodontists see if they can adjust their patient’s teeth when preparing for braces. All of these teeth numbers serve a different purpose and some of them are used in determining jaw positioning and bite-depth measurements. If you want your child’s braces as soon as possible, it’s important that you find an affordable orthodontist near me so that your dentist can complete all necessary procedures within an acceptable time frame. Once your child has been fitted with his or her new set of braces, make sure you follow proper brushing and flossing techniques. This will ensure that everything goes smoothly while he or she adjusts to his or her new smile!
Understanding Dental Codes
The first step in finding an affordable orthodontist near me is to understand how dental codes work. Each letter corresponds with a number, and those numbers represent your teeth on either side of your mouth. This number system can be confusing, but understanding it is important for finding an affordable orthodontist near me as well as in creating an individualized treatment plan that’s right for you. For example, one set of jaws might have 16 teeth – eight on each side: A1 – D2 – E3 – F4 – G5 – H6 – I7. The American Association of Orthodontists has created a diagram that maps out these letters and numbers into words so anyone can understand them.
Chart Reading Process
First, identify if your dentist is in metric or standard units of measurement. Generally, everyone on Earth reads charts using standard numbers. Then, look at what they are measuring; if they are taking measurements based on data elements such as anterior/posterior (A/P), mesial/distal (M/D), buccal/lingual (B/L) and height (HT) and width (WT), then stick with those numbers when recording that data.
The Anatomy of the Tooth (Wisdom Teeth)
The anatomy of your teeth can be quite confusing. One example of that is knowing where your wisdom teeth are located. Wisdom teeth make up one of four sets of molars, which are found in what’s known as the back of your mouth (your bicuspids). When your jaw is fully developed, there will be room for four sets: two sets in top and bottom jaws each. Wisdom teeth are located near but not within any existing set; they’re in between other molars on either side, at least in theory. A lack of space isn’t always an issue with wisdom teeth; many people simply don’t develop enough space for them and need extractions instead.
Symbols on the Tooth Chart
To learn what each symbol on your tooth chart means, simply start with top right of your lower teeth and work left-to-right on your upper teeth. The circle with three horizontal lines represents a full set of teeth (28), You’ll notice that individual teeth are designated by odd numbers on top and even numbers below (15/17). And, lastly, note that multiple teeth can be shown by one symbol—when in doubt, check for further explanation under Teeth not represented.
Sample Tooth Chart
The most common way to illustrate dental charts is with an image of a mouth showing teeth. It’s meant to be more illustrative than schematic; there’s no need for every last detail. The numbers around each tooth represent its position from your first permanent molar (or your left canine) on both sides, top and bottom. So, if you have 15 teeth in total (say: eight per arch), each has two numbers associated with it — one on either side — so one molar will be No.1 on top and No.15 at bottom, while its neighbor might be 2-8 or 2-9 depending where exactly they sit in their jawline slots.
FAQs about reading dental charts
Your dental exam is important for more than just your teeth. It’s also an opportunity for your dentist to evaluate other aspects of your oral health and overall health. Dental charts show measurements that can help tell your dentist about potential risk factors for diseases like heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. For example, if someone has an infected wisdom tooth that needs to be removed. Their dentist may ask them if they smoke or use alcohol. This information can tell them whether there are additional risks for developing disease in addition to smoking or drinking too much. But what does all of these numbers mean? And why should I care about dental charts during my dental exam? Here’s some questions you might have, and answers!
