The human incisal suture and premaxillary area studied on archaeologic material

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the extent of the incisal suture, the size of the premaxillary area, and the developmental status of the dentition. Sixty-three medieval crania were examined: 30 from children and 33 from adults, including 5 cases with tooth deviations. All crania were photographed at a 1: 1 scale. From the photographs the size of the premaxilla and the length of the incisal suture were measured. In addition, the spatial conditions in the anterior region were recorded. The study showed that the main closure of the suture takes place shortly after the crowns of the permanent incisors have attained their final width size. The mean size of the premaxillary area was larger in individuals with interincisal spacing and smaller in individuals with crowding when comparing with normal spatial conditions. In the cases of tooth agenesis the premaxillary areas were markedly reduced.