Which teeth are classified as posterior teeth?

Posterior teeth are primarily classified as those located towards the back of the mouth. This includes premolars and molars. These teeth play a crucial role in the grinding and chewing of food due to their larger surfaces and more complex cusps, allowing for efficient food processing.

Premolars, often referred to as bicuspids, are situated between the canines and molars and serve as transitional teeth that assist in both tearing and grinding food. Molars, on the other hand, have a broader surface area with multiple cusps, specifically designed for grinding and crushing food.

The other categories in the question include incisors and canines, which are classified as anterior teeth. Incisors are designed for cutting food, while canines are meant for tearing. Thus, these teeth do not fall into the category of posterior teeth. Additionally, stating only molars would exclude the equally important premolars from the classification of posterior teeth, which underestimates their role in occlusion and mastication. Therefore, the classification is accurately represented by identifying both premolars and molars as posterior teeth.