mixed dentition is the period at which the
primary teeth are shed and the permanent teeth
erupt.
This happens with each tooth resulting
in both primary and permanent teeth being
present at the same time.
DENTAL ARCHES
The teeth of the upper arch are called
maxillary teeth (Fig. 7-11); their roots are
embedded within the alveolar process of the
maxilla. Those of the lower arch are called
mandibular teeth; their roots are embedded
within the alveolar process of the mandible.
Each arch contains 16 teeth. The teeth in an arch
are composed of 6 anteriors (cuspid to cuspid)
and 10 posterior (all teeth distal to the cuspids).
Figure 7-11.—Maxiallary and Mandibular Arches
Showing Relationship of the Bones and Teeth
DENTAL QUADRANTS
Each dental arch is divided into a right and
a left quadrant. The quadrants are formed by an
imaginary line called the midline that passes
between the central incisors in each arch and
divides the arch in half (Fig. 7-12). There are
four quadrants in the mouth (two per arch) that
divide the mouth into four equal parts. Teeth
are described as being located in one of the
four quadrants: right maxillary quadrant, left
maxillary quadrant, right mandibular quadrant,
or the left mandibular quadrant. In a quadrant,
there are 3 anterior and 5 posterior teeth.
Figure 7-12.—Maxillary and Mandibular Arches
Divided into Quadrants
7-10
