Premolars

Premolars, also called bicuspids, are located between the canines and molars on the upper and lower dental arches. These teeth are characterized by their unique bicuspid morphology, which distinguishes them from the adjacent incisors, canines, and molars. Adults typically have a total of eight premolars, four in each arch, evenly distributed on both sides of the mouth.

The primary function of the premolars is to facilitate the initial stages of food processing and grinding, supplementing the cutting and tearing actions of the incisors and canines. Their bi-pronged structure effectively crushes and grinds food particles, helping to break down ingested food into smaller, more digestible pieces. This grinding action is especially important when processing tougher or fibrous foods, which require a lot of chewing power to make them easily digestible.

Premolars also contribute significantly to the aesthetics of your smile and facial appearance. These teeth are located within the smile line and are often visible during social interactions, making them an important determinant of overall smile aesthetics. Their size, shape, arrangement and color can significantly affect an individual's smile aesthetics, impacting confidence and self-esteem.