Over the years, we have found that understanding tooth nomenclature is essential for identifying and ordering the correct dental products. We list tooth positions using the three most commonly recognized numbering methods to ensure clarity for all customers, regardless of their educational background or geographic training.
The Three Standard Numbering Systems
When you browse our dental products, you will notice that we provide tooth identification using FDI numbering, ADA numbering, and common reference descriptions. This comprehensive approach helps eliminate confusion and ensures you receive exactly the products you need for your studies or practice.
FDI (World Dental Federation) System
The FDI system uses a two-digit numbering approach that is the international standard used in most countries worldwide. The first digit identifies the quadrant of the mouth, while the second digit identifies the specific tooth within that quadrant.
Permanent Teeth Quadrants:
- Quadrant 1: Upper right (11-18)
- Quadrant 2: Upper left (21-28)
- Quadrant 3: Lower left (31-38)
- Quadrant 4: Lower right (41-48)
Primary Teeth Quadrants:
- Quadrant 5: Upper right (51-55)
- Quadrant 6: Upper left (61-65)
- Quadrant 7: Lower left (71-75)
- Quadrant 8: Lower right (81-85)
For example, tooth 17 represents the upper right second molar (quadrant 1, tooth position 7).
ADA (American Dental Association) System
The ADA system, primarily used in the United States, assigns numbers 1-32 for permanent teeth, starting from the upper right third molar and continuing clockwise around the mouth.
Permanent Teeth: Numbers 1-32
- Upper right: 1-8
- Upper left: 9-16
- Lower left: 17-24
- Lower right: 25-32
Primary Teeth: Letters A-T
- Upper right: A-E
- Upper left: F-J
- Lower left: K-O
- Lower right: P-T
Using our example, ADA tooth number 2 corresponds to the upper right second molar.
Common Reference Descriptions
We also include descriptive references such as "Upper Right 2nd Molar" to provide immediate clarity regardless of which numbering system you are most familiar with. This description tells you the exact location and type of tooth without requiring knowledge of specific numbering conventions.
Why We Use All Three Systems
Different dental schools, licensing boards, and countries emphasize different numbering systems during training. By providing all three references on our product listings, we ensure that students trained internationally, those studying in North American programs, and practitioners familiar with any system can quickly identify the correct products.
Practical Application for Product Orders
When ordering dental products from our catalog, you can reference any of the three systems we provide. Whether you are looking for FDI tooth 17, ADA tooth 2, or simply need an "Upper Right 2nd Molar," our listings will guide you to the identical product.
This comprehensive labeling approach has proven invaluable for our customers preparing for licensing exams, as different examination boards may reference teeth using different systems during practical assessments.
Understanding these numbering systems will help you navigate our product catalog efficiently and ensure you are practicing on the correct tooth types for your specific educational or examination requirements.