Occlusion and Malocclusion - Development of the Occlusion

10 important questions on Occlusion and Malocclusion - Development of the Occlusion

Stages of dental development?

3 recognised stages of dental occlusal development:
  1. Primary dentition
  2. Mixed dentition - the transitional phase from primary to full permanent dentition
  3. Permanent dentition  

What are the features of the primary dentition?

  • Primate spaces (50% of patients)
  • Upper arch longer and wider than lower
  • OJ=2mm
  • OB = 30%
  • 'flush terminal plane' molars

What changes occur in the dentition between the ages of 3-6 years?

  • Increased intercanine width
  • Some spacing of incisors
  • Edge-to-edge bite
  • 'Class III' incisors  
  • Higher grades + faster learning
  • Never study anything twice
  • 100% sure, 100% understanding
Discover Study Smart

When does the transition from primary to mixed dentition begin? (ref)

Around 6 years of age with the eruption of the first permanent molar and the lower incisors
(Fleming et al., 2008 - Dental Update)

List 2 features of the mixed dentition.

  1. 1/2 unit Class II molars
  2. Physiological anterior spacing (i.e. Midline Diastema)

How does the occlusion accommodate the larger permanent incisors?

  • Permanent incisors erupt more proclined and, therefore, on a wider arc
  • Using the primate spaces
  • An increase in lateral growth of the jaws 

What is the leeway space? (ref)

The combined mesiodistal length of the primary canine and molar teeth is greater than that of the permanent canine and premolars - the excess is known as the leeway space.

In the maxilla this is 1.5mm per quadrant and in the mandible it is 2-2.5mm per quadrant.

Transition from primary to permanent dentition uses this space.
(Moyers et al., 1988 - textbook)

How does lateral arch development happen?

The canines erupt into a wider arch position

When is the permanent dentition usually complete?

The permanent dentition, with the exception of 3rd molars, is usually complete by 14 years of age

Females reach full permanent dentition before males

Why is it important to be aware of normal development of occlusion? (ref)

  • Recognising the normal
  • Spotting the abnormal
  • Knowing when significant events may have happened
  • Predicting the future?

(Scott and Atack, 2015 - BDJ)

The question on the page originate from the summary of the following study material:

  • A unique study and practice tool
  • Never study anything twice again
  • Get the grades you hope for
  • 100% sure, 100% understanding
Remember faster, study better. Scientifically proven.
Trustpilot Logo