The authors describe a developmental anomaly of tooth shape, talon cusp. In the course of 1985–1999 they diagnosed this anomaly in 9 patients on 10 teeth. In the investigated group of 7 girls and 2 boys the mentioned anomaly was found in the upper lateral incisors of the permanent teeth and only in one case in the permanent middle incisor. In seven instances the affected tooth had an altered position in the dental arch. In two patients the talon cusp injured the tongue and in one instance in the fissure surrounding the cusp caries developed. As to treatment, the authors used repeatedly therapeutic smoothing after 3-month intervals with subsequent impregnation with Elmex fluid. The caries was treated by indirect cover, and deep fissures were sealed preventively.

        Key words: talon cusp – developmental anomaly of tooth shape – therapeutic smoothing