[The teeth shape. An essential element of the diagnosis]. / La forme des dents. Un élément incontournable du diagnostic.

ABSTRACT

Form is often linked to function. This applies particularly to teeth; the phylogenesis of our dentition shows that the dental formula was established long before Homo sapiens. Today, the shape of teeth has several roles chewing, aesthetics and periodontal balance. The analysis of the literature shows the importance of shapes, particularly in the periodontal equilibrium. Diagnostic analysis of the shapes enables us to detect those that are said to be at risk and to prevent iatrogenic effects due to dental alignment. By applying this shape analysis to clinical examples, we will show the interest of this approach in the treatment of dental-maxillary disharmony, in the prevention of the loss of papillae associated with the opening of black triangles and the aesthetic improvement of shapes. The characterization of tooth shapes is an essential diagnostic element for a safer and more harmonious orthodontic treatment.