Neanderthals have significantly larger anterior roots than recent modern humans overall. Neanderthals exhibit different root shapes for each anterior tooth type. Anterior root differences exceed mandibular size variation. Neanderthals possibly adapted roots to withstand high front-teeth loads. Steinheim skull incisors classify as recent modern humans. Tabun C2 mandible shows Neanderthal-like anterior roots but non-Neanderthal molar roots. Two of five Kebara cave isolated teeth classify as Neanderthals. Early modern humans overlap Neanderthals and recent modern humans in root size and shape. Lower and Middle Pleistocene specimens have anterior roots at least as large as Neanderthals. Neanderthals retained primitive anterior root pattern seen in earlier Homo.