Development of Teeth

This is an example of what is developing inside the mouth of a typical 6 year-old child. The permanent (adult) first molars are just starting to erupt, as are the front teeth on the lower arch. The crowns of the permanent teeth are formed but the roots of the teeth have not yet developed. The spacing you see in the photograph is normal. This spacing of the primary (baby) teeth allows room for the larger adult teeth to erupt into place.


This is an example of what is developing inside the mouth of a typical 7 year-old child. The permanent (adult) first molars are in occlusion and the front teeth on top and bottom have erupted. The spacing in the permanent teeth is normal and it will most likely close in a few years when the other teeth erupt.


This is an example of what is developing inside the mouth of a typical 8 year-old child. The roots of the lower central (center) teeth and the permanent (adult) first molars are almost fully formed. The lateral incisors (the smaller front teeth next to the centrals) are partially erupted, but have many more months to go until they are in their proper position.


This is an example of what is developing inside the mouth of a typical 9 year-old child. The roots of all of the erupted teeth are almost fully formed. The laterals are close to being fully erupted. The unerupted permanent teeth are continuing to dissolve the roots of the primary teeth, which is natural.


This is an example of what is developing inside the mouth of a typical 10 year-old child. The upper first pre-molar and the lower canine are starting to erupt. It is not unusual to see crowding of the teeth at this point in time. If there is crowding, a consultation with an orthodontist might be indicated.


This is an example of what is developing inside the mouth of a typical 11 year-old child. All of the primary teeth have fallen out; the roots of the two front teeth and the first molars are fully developed; and the remaining teeth will erupt very soon.


This is an example of what is developing inside the mouth of a typical 12 year-old child. The remaining teeth, except for the 3rd molars (wisdom teeth), have started to erupt or will erupt soon. Root formation of the erupted teeth is almost complete and the spaces between the teeth are beginning to close.


This is an example of what is developing inside the mouth of a typical 13 year-old child. All of the permanent teeth, except for the 3rd molars (wisdom teeth), have erupted and are in occlusion except for the second molars. Spaces are closed and root formation is essentially complete for all erupted teeth. The 3rd molars are developing and will erupt, on average, around 18-21 years of age.


This is an example of what is developing inside the mouth of a typical young adult. All teeth are erupted and all root development is completed.

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