As the milk teeth are exfoliated, they are replaced by permanent teeth. The permanent teeth starts erupting at the age of 6 years and the final set of teeth emerge between 18-21 years of age. The permanent teeth are 32 in number, larger and darker in colour as compared to milk teeth.
There are two incisors, one canine, two premolars and three molars in each quadrant as shown in the figure. The incisors help in cutting the food, the canines works to tear and shred the food while the premolars and molars work to further grind the food in an absorbable form.
The eruption and shedding time for primary teeth can vary from individual to individual.
