The phase during which cells begin to outline the future shape of the developing tooth is known as morphodifferentiation. This crucial stage occurs after the initial stages of tooth development, wherein the dental tissues start to distinguish themselves in terms of shape and size. During morphodifferentiation, the cells that will form the enamel, dentin, pulp, and cementum start to take specific shapes, which are essential in determining the final appearance and form of the tooth.
The importance of morphodifferentiation lies in its role in establishing the blueprint for the tooth's morphology, including aspects like the number of cusps and the overall contour of crowns. This stage lays the groundwork for subsequent processes, such as histodifferentiation, which involves the differentiation of the specific tissues, and apposition, where the actual deposition of dental tissues occurs.
Understanding morphodifferentiation provides insight into how teeth develop not just in a passive sense, but actively shape themselves according to both genetic instructions and the local environment within the developing oral cavity.