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Incisor

Anatomy and Physiology · NLM MeSH · updated 2026-10-31 · version 1

Citations verified against PubMedNot yet clinician-reviewed10 referencesApproximately 5 min read

Any of the eight frontal teeth (four maxillary and four mandibular) having a sharp incisal edge for cutting food and a single root, which occurs in man both as a deciduous and a permanent tooth.

Table of Contents

1. Definition2. Research landscape3. Reading the evidence4. Open-access studies5. Key reviews6. References7. About this article

Definition and research guide

This page combines a MeSH definition, publication statistics and selected research abstracts. It is a starting point for reading the literature, not a medical textbook or a systematic evidence review.

Content available: 4 complete abstracts (1,021 words), 10 references. Full article text is not stored or reproduced here; follow the PMID, DOI or PMC links to read the original sources and their access terms.

Definition

Any of the eight frontal teeth (four maxillary and four mandibular) having a sharp incisal edge for cutting food and a single root, which occurs in man both as a deciduous and a permanent tooth. (Jablonski, Dictionary of Dentistry, 1992, p820)

Definition: NLM Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) scope note (Public domain (U.S. National Library of Medicine); attribution requested). View the MeSH record.

Also known as: Incisors.

Where it fits in the MeSH classification

Broader topics
Tooth

Research landscape

PubMed indexes 25,230 records tagged with the MeSH heading “Incisor” (counts retrieved 2026-10-31). 3,029 of them (12.0%) were published from 2020 onward, and the busiest period so far is through 1999 with 10,720 records.

Reviews account for 773 records (3.1%) and meta-analyses for 91. Randomized controlled trials number 596 (2.4%) as a share of all records on the topic.

PubMed records by publication periodthrough 1999: 10,720 records; 2000-2009: 5,306 records; 2010-2019: 6,175 records; 2020 onward: 3,029 records10,720through 19995,3062000-20096,1752010-20193,0292020 onward
Records in PubMed indexed with this heading, by publication period. Real counts from NCBI E-utilities; the final period covers only part of the current year. Volume reflects how much has been published, not how strong the evidence is.
Show the data
PeriodRecords
through 199910,720
2000-20095,306
2010-20196,175
2020 onward3,029
Share of records by publication typeReviews: 3.1 percent; Meta-analyses: 0.4 percent; Randomized controlled trials: 2.4 percentReviews3.1% (773)Meta-analyses0.4% (91)Randomized controlled trials2.4% (596)
Share of all PubMed records on this heading that carry each publication type. Types overlap with other records, so the shares do not sum to 100%.
Publication-type chart data
Publication types among 25,230 PubMed records
TypeRecordsShare
Reviews7733.1%
Meta-analyses910.4%
Randomized controlled trials5962.4%

Method: PubMed query "Incisor"[MeSH Terms] with publication-type and date filters, retrieved 2026-10-31.

Reading the evidence in anatomy and physiology

Anatomy describes how body structures are built and physiology describes how they normally work, so most findings here are descriptive or mechanistic rather than evidence about treatment. Much of what is known comes from dissection, imaging, tissue studies and experiments in animals, and measurements in healthy volunteers can differ from those in people with disease or at different ages. Normal ranges vary between individuals and populations. Check whether a result was measured in people or in another species, the age and health of the participants, and the method used.

Evidence from open-access studies

These open-access studies come from PubMed’s best-match results for this heading (papers whose main topic it is), ranked here by citation count, with one recent addition. Each abstract is reproduced in full under its recorded open licence so that you can read the authors’ own words. They illustrate the literature; they are not a systematic summary of it. Citation counts measure attention, not reliability or clinical benefit.

Study comparison — selected abstracts, not a systematic review
Study / authorsYearSource label / designEurope PMC citationsLicence / source
Gene-environment interaction in molar-incisor hypomineralization
Bezamat M, Souza JF, Silva FMF, Corrêa EG, Fatturi AL, Brancher JA, et al.
2021Clinical trial
Design not recorded in structured metadata
41cc by
PMID 33406080 · DOI · PMC7787379
Predictability of lower incisor tip using clear aligner therapy
Smith JM, Weir T, Kaang A, Farella M
2022Research article
Design not recorded in structured metadata
34cc by
PMID 36336726 · DOI · PMC9637687
Bone Remodeling during Orthodontic Movement of Lower Incisors-Narrative Review
Kalina E, Grzebyta A, Zadurska M
2022Review article
Design not recorded in structured metadata
31cc by
PMID 36429721 · DOI · PMC9691226
Deep margin elevation in permanent incisors with crown-root fractures: A laboratory study
Liechti L, Hildebrand H, Zitzmann NU, Blatz MB, Weiger R, Krastl G, et al.
2026Research article
Design not recorded in structured metadata
0cc by
PMID 41896435 · DOI · PMC13658284

Gene-environment interaction in molar-incisor hypomineralization [1]

Clinical trial Bezamat M, Souza JF, Silva FMF, Corrêa EG, Fatturi AL, Brancher JA, et al. · · 2021 · cited 41 times (Europe PMC)

Abstract reading summary — source excerpts
Opening excerpt
Molar incisor hypomineralization (MIH) is an enamel condition characterized by lesions ranging in color from white to brown which present rapid caries progression, and mainly affects permanent first molars and incisors.
Closing excerpt
05) between the use of medication after three years of age and MIH were also found, suggesting that conditions acquired at the age children start to socialize might contribute to the development of MIH.
Interpretation limits
Verbatim excerpts from the authors’ abstract; the closing excerpt may describe a finding, limitation or recommendation. Design, population, effect size and uncertainty have not been independently extracted or appraised. Read the complete abstract and linked paper before interpreting the findings.
Read complete abstract (272 words)

Molar incisor hypomineralization (MIH) is an enamel condition characterized by lesions ranging in color from white to brown which present rapid caries progression, and mainly affects permanent first molars and incisors. These enamel defects usually occur when there are disturbances during the mineralization or maturation stage of amelogenesis. Both genetic and environmental factors have been suggested to play roles in MIH's development, but no conclusive risk factors have shown the source of the disease. During head and neck development, the interferon regulatory factor 6 (IRF6) gene is involved in the structure formation of the oral and maxillofacial regions, and the transforming growth factor alpha (TGFA) is an essential cell regulator, acting during proliferation, differentiation, migration and apoptosis. In this present study, it was hypothesized that these genes interact and contribute to predisposition of MIH. Environmental factors affecting children that were 3 years of age or older were also hypothesized to play a role in the disease etiology. Those factors included respiratory issues, malnutrition, food intolerance, infection of any sort and medication intake. A total of 1,065 salivary samples from four different cohorts were obtained, and DNA was extracted from each sample and genotyped for nine different single nucleotide polymorphisms. Association tests and logistic regression implemented in PLINK were used for analyses. A potential interaction between TGFA rs930655 with all markers tested in the cohort from Turkey was identified. These interactions were not identified in the remaining cohorts. Associations (p<0.05) between the use of medication after three years of age and MIH were also found, suggesting that conditions acquired at the age children start to socialize might contribute to the development of MIH.

Abstract reproduced from the open-access article under the recorded cc by licence; © the authors. PMID 33406080 · DOI · PMC7787379

Predictability of lower incisor tip using clear aligner therapy [2]

Research article Smith JM, Weir T, Kaang A, Farella M · · 2022 · cited 34 times (Europe PMC)

Abstract reading summary — source excerpts
Opening excerpt
BackgroundUprighting incisors is particularly important with clear aligner therapy as incisor tip determines the mesio-distal space needed in the arch, and consequently the fit of the aligner.
Closing excerpt
Vertically orientated rectangular attachments are recommended where large root movement is planned, and their presence slightly improves apex movement.
Interpretation limits
Verbatim excerpts from the authors’ abstract; the closing excerpt may describe a finding, limitation or recommendation. Design, population, effect size and uncertainty have not been independently extracted or appraised. Read the complete abstract and linked paper before interpreting the findings.
Read complete abstract (218 words)

BackgroundUprighting incisors is particularly important with clear aligner therapy as incisor tip determines the mesio-distal space needed in the arch, and consequently the fit of the aligner. The objective of this study was to investigate the accuracy of ClinCheck® software to predict lower incisor tip by comparing digitally prescribed movements with actual clinical outcomes and to determine whether the presence of a vertically orientated rectangular composite attachment influences the efficacy of incisor tip.MethodologyThis retrospective study included 66 lower incisors from 42 non-extraction adult patients treated using the Invisalign® appliance. Twenty-one incisors had vertical attachments, while 45 incisors did not have any attachments. Lower incisor tip was measured at T0 (pre-treatment), T1 (predicted post-treatment) and T2 (achieved post-treatment) on digital models using metrology software. The change in position from T0 to T1 and T0 to T2 was measured from the estimated centre of resistance (CRes) of each tooth. The estimated centre of rotation was plotted relative to the CRes to describe the type of orthodontic tooth movement (OTM) predicted and achieved.ResultsPredicted incisor tip and achieved incisor tip were positively correlated (R2 = 0.55; p ConclusionsThe amount of lower incisor tip achieved was on average substantially less than the ClinCheck® displayed. Vertically orientated rectangular attachments are recommended where large root movement is planned, and their presence slightly improves apex movement.

Abstract reproduced from the open-access article under the recorded cc by licence; © the authors. PMID 36336726 · DOI · PMC9637687

Bone Remodeling during Orthodontic Movement of Lower Incisors-Narrative Review [3]

Review article Kalina E, Grzebyta A, Zadurska M · · 2022 · cited 31 times (Europe PMC)

Abstract reading summary — source excerpts
Opening excerpt
The tooth movement in the alveolus is possible due to bone remodeling.
Closing excerpt
In order to minimize possible deterioration and place teeth in the center of alveolus, CBCT monitoring and scrupulous clinical evaluation are recommended.
Interpretation limits
Verbatim excerpts from the authors’ abstract; the closing excerpt may describe a finding, limitation or recommendation. Design, population, effect size and uncertainty have not been independently extracted or appraised. Read the complete abstract and linked paper before interpreting the findings.
Read complete abstract (286 words)

The tooth movement in the alveolus is possible due to bone remodeling. This process could be the risk factor for the formation of gingival recessions-the most common side effects of orthodontic therapy. Gingival recessions are found 5.8-11.5% more frequently among the orthodontically treated patients. What is more, anterior mandibular teeth are the ones most prone to gingival recession dehiscences and fenestrations. The aim of this narrative review was to evaluate, based on CBCT (Cone beam computed tomography) scans, the changes in the alveolar bone of lower incisors in adolescent and adult patients after orthodontic tooth movements. From the pool of 108 publications, a total of 15 fulfilled the criteria of this review. Both retrospective and prospective longitudinal studies-using CBCT or CT (Computed Topography) and evaluating alveolar bone changes in mandibular incisors during orthodontic treatment performed before and after teeth movement-were included. In the group of growing patients, either proclination or retroclination of mandibular incisors led to increase of the distance from CEJ (cementoenamel junction) to marginal bone crest. The difference in bone loss was greater on the lingual side of the incisors in both types of tooth movement. The results were similar for adults patients. The thickness of the alveolar bone was reduced after proclination (total bone thickness) among growing and non-growing patients and retraction (lingual and buccal) of lower anterior teeth in the group of growing patients. The only improvement was measured for buccal thickness of mandibular incisor in bimaxillary protrusion patients treated with extraction therapy. The control of retraction movement (more root than crown movement) enhanced preservation on bone height and thickness. In order to minimize possible deterioration and place teeth in the center of alveolus, CBCT monitoring and scrupulous clinical evaluation are recommended.

Abstract reproduced from the open-access article under the recorded cc by licence; © the authors. PMID 36429721 · DOI · PMC9691226

Deep margin elevation in permanent incisors with crown-root fractures: A laboratory study [4]

Research article Liechti L, Hildebrand H, Zitzmann NU, Blatz MB, Weiger R, Krastl G, et al. · · 2026

Abstract reading summary — source excerpts
Opening excerpt
OBJECTIVES: This laboratory study evaluated the effect of deep margin elevation (DME) on the marginal integrity and fracture resistance of anterior teeth with crown-root fractures.
Closing excerpt
These findings provide preliminary evidence supporting DME as a conservative approach for managing anterior crown-root fractures in select cases, with confirmation needed from clinical studies.
Interpretation limits
Verbatim excerpts from the authors’ abstract; the closing excerpt may describe a finding, limitation or recommendation. Design, population, effect size and uncertainty have not been independently extracted or appraised. Read the complete abstract and linked paper before interpreting the findings.
Read complete abstract (245 words)

OBJECTIVES: This laboratory study evaluated the effect of deep margin elevation (DME) on the marginal integrity and fracture resistance of anterior teeth with crown-root fractures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty-two extracted permanent human maxillary central incisors were randomly divided into four groups. All teeth received a standardized simulated crown-root fracture, selective enamel etching followed by universal adhesive application, resin-based composite (RBC) build-up (conventional or bulk-fill), root canal treatment, and glass fiber post placement. Crown preparations were performed either entirely in natural tooth structure with subgingival finish lines (DME absent) or partially on the RBC build-up, yielding supragingival finish lines (DME present). Marginal integrity was assessed microscopically at baseline, after initial thermomechanical loading (TML), and after extended TML. Fracture resistance was determined by load-to-fracture testing. Statistical analyses included Kruskal-Wallis, Dunn’s post hoc, and Fisher’s exact tests (α = 0.05). RESULTS: Median marginal continuity remained 100% across all groups. Fracture resistance (1,305-1,595 N) showed no significant differences between groups. Fractures during TML occurred exclusively in groups without DME. CONCLUSIONS: Within the limitations of this in vitro study, DME did not adversely affect marginal integrity or fracture resistance of restored anterior teeth. In contrast to non-DME groups, specimens with DME did not exhibit failures during TML. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: DME restorations can maintain high marginal integrity and load-bearing capacity in anterior teeth with crown-root fractures. These findings provide preliminary evidence supporting DME as a conservative approach for managing anterior crown-root fractures in select cases, with confirmation needed from clinical studies.

Abstract reproduced from the open-access article under the recorded cc by licence; © the authors. PMID 41896435 · DOI · PMC13658284

Key reviews and meta-analyses

The most cited review-type papers among PubMed’s best-match results for this heading, listed with bibliographic details only. Follow the links for the full text and access terms.

  • Research article Molar incisor hypomineralisation (MIH) [5]
    Weerheijm KL · Eur J Paediatr Dent · 2003 · cited 181 times (Europe PMC)
  • Research article Pulp revascularization of a necrotic infected immature permanent tooth: case report and review of the literature [6]
    Thibodeau B, Trope M · Pediatr Dent · 2007 · cited 176 times (Europe PMC)
  • Research article Hypodontia: An Update on Its Etiology, Classification, and Clinical Management [7]
    Al-Ani AH, Antoun JS, Thomson WM, Merriman TR, Farella M · Biomed Res Int · 2017 · cited 155 times (Europe PMC)
  • Research article Aetiology of molar-incisor hypomineralization: a critical review [8]
    Crombie F, Manton D, Kilpatrick N · Int J Paediatr Dent · 2009 · cited 139 times (Europe PMC)
  • Research article A study of the relationship between incisor intrusion and root shortening [9]
    McFadden WM, Engstrom C, Engstrom H, Anholm JM · Am J Orthod Dentofacial Orthop · 1989 · cited 138 times (Europe PMC)
  • Research article A systematic review of the relationship between overjet size and traumatic dental injuries [10]
    Nguyen QV, Bezemer PD, Habets L, Prahl-Andersen B · Eur J Orthod · 1999 · cited 136 times (Europe PMC)

References

  1. Bezamat M, Souza JF, Silva FMF, Corrêa EG, Fatturi AL, Brancher JA, et al.. Gene-environment interaction in molar-incisor hypomineralization. . 2021. PMID 33406080 · DOI · PMC7787379
  2. Smith JM, Weir T, Kaang A, Farella M. Predictability of lower incisor tip using clear aligner therapy. . 2022. PMID 36336726 · DOI · PMC9637687
  3. Kalina E, Grzebyta A, Zadurska M. Bone Remodeling during Orthodontic Movement of Lower Incisors-Narrative Review. . 2022. PMID 36429721 · DOI · PMC9691226
  4. Liechti L, Hildebrand H, Zitzmann NU, Blatz MB, Weiger R, Krastl G, et al.. Deep margin elevation in permanent incisors with crown-root fractures: A laboratory study. . 2026. PMID 41896435 · DOI · PMC13658284
  5. Weerheijm KL. Molar incisor hypomineralisation (MIH). Eur J Paediatr Dent. 2003. PMID 14529330
  6. Thibodeau B, Trope M. Pulp revascularization of a necrotic infected immature permanent tooth: case report and review of the literature. Pediatr Dent. 2007. PMID 18041512
  7. Al-Ani AH, Antoun JS, Thomson WM, Merriman TR, Farella M. Hypodontia: An Update on Its Etiology, Classification, and Clinical Management. Biomed Res Int. 2017. PMID 28401166 · DOI · PMC5376450
  8. Crombie F, Manton D, Kilpatrick N. Aetiology of molar-incisor hypomineralization: a critical review. Int J Paediatr Dent. 2009. PMID 19250392 · DOI
  9. McFadden WM, Engstrom C, Engstrom H, Anholm JM. A study of the relationship between incisor intrusion and root shortening. Am J Orthod Dentofacial Orthop. 1989. PMID 2683733 · DOI
  10. Nguyen QV, Bezemer PD, Habets L, Prahl-Andersen B. A systematic review of the relationship between overjet size and traumatic dental injuries. Eur J Orthod. 1999. PMID 10565091 · DOI

About this article

Sources
NLM Medical Subject Headings (definition, synonyms); NCBI PubMed (counts, identifiers); Europe PMC (open-access abstracts and citation counts).
Verification
Every reference was resolved against PubMed on 2026-10-31; title, year and DOI matched.
Review state
automated source verified; no human expert review has been recorded yet.
Version
1, last updated 2026-10-31.

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All 542 articles in Anatomy and Physiology →

At a glance

25,230
PubMed records on this heading
12%
published since 2020
773
review articles
596
randomized trials
10
verified references below

Counts come from PubMed on 2026-10-31; they show how much has been written, not how strong the evidence is.

Related topics See all →

  • BicuspidAnatomy and Physiology
  • Dental EnamelAnatomy and Physiology
  • Dental PulpAnatomy and Physiology
  • DentinAnatomy and Physiology
  • DentitionAnatomy and Physiology

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