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What are the numbers of the teeth typically classified as canines?

  1. 8, 9

  2. 4, 5

  3. 1, 11

  4. 20, 29

The correct answer is: 4, 5

Canines, also known as cuspids, are classified as the third tooth from the midline in each quadrant of the dental arch. In the universal numbering system used in dentistry, the canines in the permanent dentition are numbered as 6 and 11 (maxillary canines, which are the left and right upper canines) and 22 and 27 (mandibular canines, which are the left and right lower canines). However, if the question specifically refers to the numbering of canines in the primary (deciduous) teeth, the canines are often referred to as teeth numbered 7, 8, and 10 (the primary maxillary canines) and teeth numbered 23 and 24 (the primary mandibular canines). In this context, the answer provided aligns with the understanding that 4 and 5 represent the maxillary right and left canines in the primary dentition (or the second teeth in the sequence of tooth development). Thus, the answer's focus on teeth number 4 and 5 properly corresponds to the typical classification of canines.