New Directions in Dental Anthropology

doi:10.1017/9780987171870

Cited by 5 publications

References 174 publications

(257 reference statements)

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Genetic, Epigenetic and Environmental Influences on Human Tooth Size, Shape and Number

Townsend

Brook

2013

Encyclopedia of Life Sciences

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Studies of twins are helping to unravel the roles of genetic, epigenetic and environmental influences on human tooth size, shape and number. There is a relatively strong genetic contribution to variation in these dental phenotypes but comparisons between monozygotic cotwins are also highlighting the roles of environmental and epigenetic factors. Furthermore, by viewing the dentition as a complex adaptive system, with multiple interacting components, a clearer picture is emerging of how common dental anomalies develop and are associated with one another. This article concentrates on providing a synthesis of relevant findings and concepts about variation in the human dentition at a phenotypic level. We focus on patterning within the dentition and dental asymmetry, as well as emphasising the importance of assessing the magnitude of errors when measuring or scoring dental features. We also provide links to several articles published in the Encyclopedia of Life Sciences that cover the molecular aspects of dental development. Key Concepts: There are distinct patterns of variation within the human dentition that conform to ‘morphogenetic fields’. Patterns of phenotypic variation correspond with the relative amount of time that each tooth germ spends in the soft tissue phase before mineralisation. A unifying aetiological model, incorporating thresholds, serves to explain the relationships between tooth size, shape and number in males and females. Tooth size variation shows a relatively strong genetic component but epigenetic and environmental factors can also contribute to phenotypic variation. Interrelationships exist between dental crown size and morphological dental features, such as the Carabelli trait. Discordance in the expression of missing or extra teeth between monozygotic cotwins indicates involvement of epigenetic influences on dental development. Studies of dizygotic opposite sex twins indicate that hormonal influences in utero can influence dental development. The magnitude of fluctuating dental asymmetry reflects the effects of epigenetic and environmental influences during development. Dental development is a multilevel process involving interacting genetic, epigenetic and environmental factors over an extended period. The dentition fulfils the characteristics of a complex adaptive system.

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Genetic, Epigenetic and Environmental Influences on Human Tooth Size, Shape and Number

Townsend

Brook

2013

Encyclopedia of Life Sciences

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Twin and family studies of human dental crown morphology:

Hughes¹,

Townsend²

2013

Anthropological Perspectives on Tooth Morphology

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The face, the future, and dental practice: how research in craniofacial biology will influence patient care

Townsend

2014

Australian Dental Journal

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It has been a privilege to assemble a group of Australian and international researchers to produce a special issue of the Australian Dental Journal that reflects the cutting edge of research in different aspects of craniofacial biology, and also considers how these advances will influence future education and practice within dentistry. The aim of this special issue is to provide a collection of concept papers and critical reviews on key topics that cover both fundamental and applied research in craniofacial biology and to consider the clinical implications. To do this, four questions have been addressed that lead to the four sections of this issue. These are:(1) How have we come to the present exciting position in craniofacial biology with breakthroughs over the past 50 years? (2) What are current fundamental research topics that are helping us to understand more about craniofacial and general development, possibly leading to future clinical developments? (3) What are the current applied research topics that will influence future clinical practice? (4) Looking forward, what new developments in craniofacial biology may come about that will change the face of dental education and practice?The refereed papers in this special issue are grouped into the four sections that seek to respond to these demanding questions.

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New Directions in Dental Anthropology

Cited by 5 publications

References 174 publications

Genetic, Epigenetic and Environmental Influences on Human Tooth Size, Shape and Number

Genetic, Epigenetic and Environmental Influences on Human Tooth Size, Shape and Number

Twin and family studies of human dental crown morphology:

The face, the future, and dental practice: how research in craniofacial biology will influence patient care

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