Orthodontic Assistant Practice Exam

In an orthodontic numeric system, which tooth is designated as number 5?

1. Upper right 4

2. Lower left 3

3. Upper right 3

4. Lower left 4

The correct answer is: Upper right 4

In orthodontics, the numeric tooth designation system is designed to provide a clear and systematic way to identify each tooth in the mouth. Typically, the upper right quadrant of the mouth starts with the central incisor and counts in a clockwise direction. In this system, number 1 represents the upper right central incisor, and the numbers continue sequentially around the upper arch to number 8, which is the upper right third molar. The count then drops down to the lower left third molar starting at number 17 and counts around to number 32 for the lower right central incisor. Specifically, tooth number 5 corresponds to the upper right first premolar. Since the upper right first premolar is positioned after the central incisor and the lateral incisor, it is designated as number 5 in this counting system. Therefore, identifying tooth number 5 correctly as the upper right first premolar clarifies that the correct answer pertains to "Upper right 4," meaning the upper right quadrant continues to designate its teeth in sequence accurately.