What does “Canine tooth” mean?
Canines are the pointed teeth between the incisors and premolars. Their relatively pointed crown tips form the corners of the dental arch.
Original spelling: 견치(송곳니)
What role do canines play?
It participates in the function of biting and tearing food, and also influences the shape of the lips and the curve of the teeth when smiling. It may serve to guide tooth contact as you move your jaw side to side, but not everyone's bite works one way.
Changing pointed or protruding canines
It is necessary to distinguish between problems with sharp tip shapes and problems with teeth being positioned outside of the dentition. Whether it is necessary to just refine the shape or require orthodontic treatment to change the space and arrangement depends on the relationship with other teeth. The scope of tooth preparation is not determined solely by the end visible in the photo.
When a canine has not appeared by the expected time
They can determine if the tooth is inside the gum or coming out in a different direction. Eruption status is evaluated through dentition space, position of surrounding teeth, and imaging tests. Even if you become an adult and still have deciduous teeth, the presence and location of permanent teeth are checked first.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are canines the pointed teeth sometimes called eye teeth?
It usually refers to the pointed teeth between the front teeth and premolars. It is good to understand not only the location and shape, but also the role in bite.
Can pointed canines be filed down?
A pointed canine may have a normal shape; appearance alone does not determine whether reduction is appropriate. The desired change, remaining tooth tissue, and bite must be assessed.
If the canines come out late, can I wait?
The eruption time, tooth space, and condition of surrounding teeth are also checked. If the difference from the other side is large or there seems to be not enough space to come out, the location can be examined through medical treatment.
Canines, 3 things to check during treatment
Please review the questions to ask before deciding on treatment and the treatment standards of TU Dental Clinic.
- A choice suited to your condition
Does the clinic check the position, eruption status, and occlusion of the canines?
TU Dental Clinic’s treatment standardsTU Dental Clinic determines the scope of treatment by checking the tooth structure and bite, gum condition, and existing treatment history.
TU’s natural tooth preservation treatment philosophy - Preservation of natural teeth
Does the clinic describe the extent of tooth preparation required before changing the end shape?
TU Dental Clinic’s treatment standardsTU Dental Clinic examines the remaining tooth tissue and determines the scope of treatment by distinguishing between functionally necessary treatment and aesthetic adjustments.
TU’s natural tooth preservation treatment philosophy - Sufficient understanding
Does the clinic explain both aesthetic changes and functional roles?
TU Dental Clinic’s treatment standardsAt TU Dental Clinic, we check the tooth structure, occlusion, and gum condition. If there are any terms you are unfamiliar with, please ask questions during consultation.
TU’s natural tooth preservation treatment philosophy
Further reading and references
References
- Cleveland Clinic · Teeth anatomy, types and functionmy.clevelandclinic.org (opens in a new tab)
- Academy of Prosthodontics · Glossaryacademyofprosthodontics.org (opens in a new tab)
- ADA MouthHealthy · Eruption chartsmouthhealthy.org (opens in a new tab)
- AAO · What is an impacted tooth?aaoinfo.org (opens in a new tab)
- American Association of Orthodontists · Bracesaaoinfo.org (opens in a new tab)
