The most notable difference in the teeth of modern humans and modern chimpanzees is that humans have smaller canines. Compared to chimpanzees, the canines of Au. afarensis are also relatively smaller, but are still relatively large compared to modern humans.

Au. afarensis incisors are more similar to the size and shape of modern chimpanzees. Molars in Au. afarensis are relatively and absolutely larger than molars in either chimpanzees or modern humans, and are wider bucco-lingually.

Tooth enamel is thicker in Au. afarensis than in either modern species.