Where premolars sit and what they do
Premolars are the transition between the pointed canines and the broad molars. There are two in each quarter of the mouth, a first and a second premolar, so eight in all. Most have two cusps, which is why they are called bicuspids, and the shape lets them hold and crush food that the front teeth have cut and the molars will finish grinding.
They have usually one root, although the upper first premolar often has two. Their position in the middle of the arch also makes them important for the smile: when you smile widely, the first premolars are often visible.
| Premolar | Usually erupts at | Replaces |
|---|---|---|
| Upper first premolar | 10 to 11 years | Upper first milk molar |
| Upper second premolar | 10 to 12 years | Upper second milk molar |
| Lower first premolar | 10 to 12 years | Lower first milk molar |
| Lower second premolar | 11 to 12 years | Lower second milk molar |
The four premolars in each jaw side: approximate eruption ages. General information; individual children vary.
Do children have premolars?
No. A child has eight milk molars at the back, and no premolars. When the milk molars loosen and fall out, usually between 10 and 12 years, the permanent premolars come through in the same places.
This is why a gap-free mouth can look different at 9 and at 12: the milk molars are wider than the premolars that replace them, and the small leftover space (often called the leeway space) helps the other teeth settle. Our guide to the milk teeth schedule shows when each one is due.
Why premolars are removed for braces
When teeth are crowded, there are two options: widen the arch, or take out teeth to make room. Premolars are the usual choice for removal because they sit midway along the arch, so closing the gap lets both the front and back teeth move into place, and losing one costs less chewing power than losing a molar or a canine. The first premolars are removed most often.
Not every crowded mouth needs this, and an orthodontist weighs the face profile, the amount of crowding and the bite before deciding. Our pages on braces and orthodontics and crooked teeth explain how the options differ.
Premolars in your dental chart
On a dental report, premolars carry the numbers 4 and 5 in each quarter, so a tooth marked 14 is the upper right first premolar and 45 is the lower right second premolar. Our guide to the tooth numbering system explains how to read the code, and the guide to molar teeth covers the larger teeth behind them.
Premolars can decay and crack like any tooth, especially at the grooved biting surface, and can need a filling or a crown. For the full set of tooth types in one place, see our guide to the types of teeth.
Common questions
Are premolars and bicuspids the same thing?
Yes. Bicuspid means two cusps, which most premolars have. Premolar is the name in common use, while bicuspid is the older term, and both describe the same eight teeth.
How many premolars does an adult have?
Eight: four in the upper jaw and four in the lower. If any were removed for braces or lost, the count is lower, which is normal and does not cause a gap in the smile once the space is closed.
Is it safe to have premolars removed for braces?
It is a common and well-established part of orthodontic treatment when there is not enough room. Orthodontists use it only when it will give a better result than other approaches, and the space is closed by the braces afterwards.
About this page
This page is general information, not a diagnosis or a quotation. Prices are prevailing Lucknow market ranges. Your own treatment and cost are determined after an examination. For questions about your own case, call +91 83036 12717.