Changes in size, morphology and weight of human anterior teeth during the fetal period

The changes in size and weight of the calcified portions of the crowns of deciduous anterior teeth (maxillary and mandibular central and lateral incisors and canines) in human fetuses aged 5-10 months were studied. Relating the weight and size of each tooth to fetal age provided quantitative information on the rate of crown development in each of these teeth. There is a good correlation between crown height and fetal age. At the corresponding ages the length of the maxillary central incisor is greater than that of the maxillary lateral incisor which is greater than that of the maxillary canine. A similar pattern is found in the mandibular teeth. Generally, with the exception of a few mandibular central incisors, no type of anterior tooth crown has reached its final length before birth.