← All explanationsIncisor

Which teeth are called incisors?

Incisors are the front teeth with cutting edges used for biting into food. There are usually four in the upper and four in the lower jaw, in both primary and permanent dentitions. Their shapes and sizes differ.

For training & practice ↓

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At the front

Two central and two lateral incisors form the front group in each jaw. The adjacent canines are also anterior teeth but are not incisors.

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Edge rather than chewing cusps

The crown is shaped for biting. Most incisors have one root, although their internal canal anatomy can still vary.

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Respond to injury

After a fall or impact, chips, looseness or displacement need dental assessment. A knocked-out tooth is a particular emergency covered in the separate trauma guide.

Watch the short explanation ↓

At a glance

Main function?

Biting into food.

Usual number?

Four per jaw.

After an accident?

Seek timely assessment; a knocked-out tooth is urgent.

Knowledge in motion

Explained in 36 seconds.

Three steps. No audio.
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Silent educational film with German on-screen text and simplified teaching images. Not a patient case or a promised treatment outcome. The full English explanation is available below.

Read the film text in English

At the front
Two central and two lateral incisors form the front group in each jaw. The adjacent canines are also anterior teeth but are not incisors.
Edge rather than chewing cusps
The crown is shaped for biting. Most incisors have one root, although their internal canal anatomy can still vary.
Respond to injury
After a fall or impact, chips, looseness or displacement need dental assessment. A knocked-out tooth is a particular emergency covered in the separate trauma guide.

Often confused

Incisor versus canine

Incisors have a distinct cutting edge. Canines sit beside them and have a prominent point.

Quick answers

Are anterior teeth and incisors the same?

Not exactly. The anterior group also includes the canines.

Are there incisors among the baby teeth?

Yes. A complete primary dentition normally includes eight incisors. Permanent incisors replace them during the transition to adult teeth.

What if a corner chips off?

Keep an available fragment moist and bring it to a dentist. Looseness, displacement or significant symptoms should be discussed by phone immediately.

At the practice

For a personal discussion

Editorially suggested question to discuss with Dr Niusha Barahmand Pour:

Which tooth structures and functions are affected in my incisor?

A change in an incisor can be assessed specifically.

Have an incisor assessedAppointment selection at Doctolib

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Learning layer for training & practiceUnderstand terminology and deepen knowledge

Incisal: Relating to the cutting edge.
Central incisor: One of the middle incisors.
Lateral incisor: An incisor beside a central incisor.

Make the distinction

Incisors have a distinct cutting edge. Canines sit beside them and have a prominent point.

Knowledge questionWhich statement is correct?

For learning, not for assessing personal symptoms. Your answer is not stored or sent.

All anterior teeth are incisors.
Canines are anterior teeth but not incisors.
Incisors occur only in the upper jaw.

View answer

Canines are anterior teeth but not incisors.

The anterior group includes incisors and canines.

Sources and context

Editorial research: 2026-11-02. General information, not an individual diagnosis or treatment recommendation. Teaching illustrations are simplified and do not depict a patient case.