A quantitative study of curve symbol in human mandibular premolars
Murakami, M.
Kaibogaku Zasshi. Journal of Anatomy 56(3): 157-164
1981
ISSN/ISBN: 0022-7722 PMID: 7315187 Document Number: 175506
Description of the curve symbol of mandibular premolars is not consistent in many text-books. A quantitative study of the curve symbol was made, using 20 mandibular 1st and 2nd premolars, respectively. [When teeth are observed from the incisal or occlusal side, the mesiobuccal and distobuccal line angles are different in the aspects of curvature, the former being less obtuse than the latter, except for the maxillary 1st premolar. This feature is called curve symbol and was pointed out as a landmark to identify the tooth side.] The curve symbols were recognized by the occlusal view of mandibular 1st and 2nd premolars. The curve symbol of mandibular premolars was evident in the cervical or occlusal half of the tooth crown. The mandibular premolars were classified into 5 types by the levels of the crown length participating in formation of the curve symbol.