title: A time for change of tooth numbering systems.
abstract: Tooth numbering provides dentists with an essential shortcut in clinical record-keeping. Today, three systems are favored worldwide: the Zsigmondy/Palmer system, the universal system, and the FDI two-digit system. Histories of these tooth numbering methods are traced, and the strengths and deficiencies of each are discussed. The FDI two-digit system-used throughout the world, but not in the USA-is the only method that makes visual sense, cognitive sense, and computer sense. It deserves consideration by American dentists as our official tooth numbering system.
authors.affiliation: Harvard School of Dental Medicine, Boston, MA.
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Peck
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Peck
mesh_terms: D003817:Dentition; D006801:Humans; D012953:Societies, Dental; D009626:Terminology as Topic; D014481:United States