The single-rooted maxillary teeth are usually removed with maxillary universal forceps, usually numbered 150. The Cryer No. 150 forceps (as seen on p.20) are slightly curved when viewed from the side and are essentially straight when viewed from above. The beaks of the forceps curve to meet only at the tip. The slight curve of No. 150 allows the operator to reach not only the incisors, but also the bicuspids in a comfortable fashion. The beak of No. 150 forceps has been modified slightly to form the No. 150A (cryer parallel beaks) and No. 150AS (serrated split beaks)forceps. Kells/99C (p.19) is also used for maxillary incisors and canines. However, it is slightly easier to use than the No. 150 because it’s beak is parallel to it’s handle and the half end of the beaks are flattened so that they lay parallel with each other. A smaller version of the No. 150, the No. 150S, is useful for removing primary teeth. These adapt well to all maxillary primary teeth and can be used as universal primary tooth forceps.

The maxillary molar teeth are three-rooted teeth with a single palatal root and a buccal bifurcation. The, forceps that are adapted to fit the maxillary molars must have a smooth, concave surface for the palatal root and a beak with a pointed design that will fit into the buccal bifurcation on the buccal beak. This requires that the molar forceps come in pairs, a left and a right. Additionally, the molar forceps are offset so that the operator can reach the posterior aspect of the mouth and remain the correct position. The most commonly used molar forceps are the No.53 right and left (p.17). These forceps are designed to fit anatomically around the palatal beak, and the pointed buccal beak fits into the buccal bifurcation. The beak is offset to allow for good positioning. The No. 18L and 18R (p.16) are also used to extract maxillary first and second molars. They slightly differ with No.53 in beak angulations (No.18 is mono-angled) and the handles are curved for better grip.

A design variation is shown in the No. 88 right and left forceps (p.18), which have a longer, more accentuated pointed beak formation. These forceps are known as upper cowhorn forceps. They are particularly useful for maxillary molars whose crowns are severely decayed. The sharply pointed beaks may reach deeper into the trifurcation to sound dentin. Forcep 210S (p.21) have broad, smooth beaks that are offset from the handle or bi-angled beaks to reach the maxillary second and third molars. Another design variation is shown in the offset molar forceps with very narrow beaks or the bayonet design. These are used primarily to remove broken maxillary molar roots but can be used for removal of narrow premolars and for lower incisors. These forceps, the No.65 (p.17), are also known as root tip forceps.