What is the most commonly used method of annotating teeth adopted by the American Dental Association?

The choice of the Universal numbering system as the most commonly used method of annotating teeth adopted by the American Dental Association is based on its widespread acceptance and usage in dental practices across the United States. This system assigns a unique number to each tooth, starting from the upper right third molar (tooth #1) and moving through to the upper left third molar (tooth #16), and then continuing with the lower left third molar (tooth #17) to the lower right third molar (tooth #32).

This straightforward numerical approach simplifies communication among dental professionals and facilitates patient recordkeeping. Its simplicity and ease of use contribute significantly to its popularity in everyday dental practice, allowing for efficient identification and reference to specific teeth without the need for additional notation systems that may be more complex.

In contrast, the FDI World Dental Federation notation, while internationally recognized, is less commonly used in the U.S. and may not be as familiar to patients and clinicians in this region. Palmer notation and tooth surface notation serve specific purposes but are not as broadly implemented or recognized by the majority of dental professionals in everyday practice compared to the Universal numbering system.