Question

Regarding the growth and development of the face and occlusion from infancy to adolescence answer the following questions:

A) Describe the features of the pre-dental period and the various developmental abnormalities that may be seen in this period.

B) Describe the transition from the mixed dentition to the permanent dentition phase and the variations that may occur.

C) Using five examples of self-correcting malocclusions present during the development of the occlusion, describe the mechanisms of how each of these takes place.

D) Explain how the sequence of eruption of the permanent dentition plays a role in the establishment of a normal occlusion.

Answer 1

The transition period from the infant to an adolescent individual is challenging in many ways. The growth and development of the face and occlusion is very critical and a subject of study.

A. The pre dental period refers to the first 6 months time when the baby has no dental formation. The pre dental period lasts till the first teeth erupts. This time is critical for the future occurings because during this time the gum pads form. The gum pads are pinkish in colour and acts in supporting the teeth which will grow in future. Abnormalities which maybe seen during this period include sudden premature eruption of teeth. Another abnormality is that the gum pad will be fragile.

B.Mixed dentition as the name suggests is the mixture of primary dentition and permanent dentition. It occurs as a transition stage between the two. During this stage the molars erupt and it is succeded by the other teeths such as incisors and pre molars. The mixed dentition comsists of 3 stages which occur one after another. These stages are first transitional period, inter transitional period and lastly second transitional period.

C. 5 examples of self correcting macloocclusions are being mentioned. These anomalies occurs throughout the stages and usually resolves without any medical and professional help. First maloocclusion which occurs during the pre dental period is the retrognathic mandible, in which the mandible is postioned a little backward. The second maloocclusion which occurs in the pre dental period is the anterior open bite, in which the insicors dont contact each other leaving an open space. The third maloocclusion also occurs in the pre dental period is infantile swallow, during which the tongue of the kid comes in between his/her gum pad. The fourth maloocclusion occurs during the deciduous period, and it the deep bite which occurs due to the upright incisors. The fifth and the last maloocclusion which occurs in the anterior deep bite which occurs due to similar reasons as the previous one.

D. The eruption of the permanent dentition leads to the formation of normal occlusion. The permanent dentition eruption starts from the age of 5 and 6 and usually lasts till the age of 9 and 10. The firth tooth eruption is of the molars, followed by incisors and the rest.