Question

using five examples of self correcting malocclusions present during the development of the occlusion, describe the mechanisms of how each of these takes place

Answer 1

Transient occlusions are the self correcting mal occlusion that occurs during development of dental occlusion.
1. Retrognathic Mandible : in neonates the mandible is severely retruded relative to maxilla. This is corrected through increased forward growth of mandible as compared to maxilla.
2.  Infantile swallowing : in infants the suckling reflex results in drawing of milk from the nipples which is directly sent to the pharynx. Also newborns can breath while they suckle the milk. This mechamism is corrected by the age of 1 year when the child starts eating solid foods.
3. Anterior open bite of gum pad : There is no contact between the gum pads anteriorly when they are approximated in infants. As the primary incisors errupt this is corrected.
4. Primary teeth are more vertical. The primary incisors erupt into a deep overbite. When the primary molars erupt and attrition of incisor edge takes place this deep overbite is corrected.
5. Spacing : The primary teeth have spacing in between them. These spacing are necessary for normal eruption and alignment of permanent teeth and prevents crowding.
As the permanent teeth takes place of the temporary teeth the spacing is filked and closed.