User:Wikibantu/sandbox/Mixed dentition

Mixed dentition is a crucial stage in a child's dental development, characterized by the coexistence of primary and permanent teeth. This period marks the prime time for the establishment of proper occlusion, or the alignment of the upper and lower teeth when biting or chewing. Therefore, the analysis of mixed dentition holds significant importance in orthodontic assessments. Between the ages of six months and two years, all primary teeth, commonly referred to as baby teeth, begin to emerge and remain in the jaw until approximately six years of age. Subsequently, at around six years old, the front teeth start to erupt, gradually replacing the primary teeth with their permanent counterparts. This process continues in a sequential manner, with each primary tooth being shed and replaced by a permanent tooth. Typically, this tooth replacement process concludes by the age of twelve, excluding the third molars, commonly known as wisdom teeth. The eruption of wisdom teeth usually occurs between the ages of 17 to 21.

Ref: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7366760/

Ref: https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/medicine-and-dentistry/mixed-dentition

During the phase of mixed dentition, it is imperative for parents to be vigilant regarding their children's dental care. They should closely observe the changes taking place in their child's mouth on a daily basis. In certain cases, the primary tooth may not naturally fall out as the permanent tooth emerges, resulting in a situation called retention. The permanent tooth may appear behind the primary tooth and form a double row. It is crucial to address this issue promptly by seeking the assistance of an experienced dentist or pediatric dentist (pedodontist) who can safely remove the retained primary tooth. Failure to address this situation promptly may lead to complications such as the permanent tooth becoming fixed in an improper position, resulting in irregularities in tooth alignment. Subsequent orthodontic treatment may be required to correct these issues.

The mixed dentition phase is a critical period in a child's dental development. Timely intervention and proper dental care during this stage can help ensure the healthy eruption of permanent teeth and the establishment of a well-aligned occlusion, reducing the likelihood of future orthodontic complications.

Developmental period
Mixed dentition is the developmental period after the permanent first molars and incisors have erupted, and before the remaining deciduous teeth are lost. This period typically ranges from ages 6 to 12 years old.

During mixed dentition, there is a transition from a dentition with mostly deciduous teeth to a dentition with mostly permanent teeth. This transition can be challenging, as it can lead to malocclusions, or crooked teeth.

Factors
There are a number of factors that can contribute to malocclusions in mixed dentition, including:

Tooth size discrepancy: This occurs when the size of the teeth does not match the size of the jaws.

Early loss of deciduous teeth: This can lead to crowding of the permanent teeth.

Habits: Thumb sucking and tongue thrusting can also contribute to malocclusions.

Early diagnosis and intervention can help to prevent or minimize malocclusions in mixed dentition. This can be done through regular dental checkups and by working with an orthodontist.

Additional key points
Here are some additional key points that are often discussed in mixed dentition articles:


 * The importance of assessing growth and development: The growth and development of the jaws and teeth can have a significant impact on the development of malocclusions. It is important to assess these factors when planning treatment for mixed dentition patients.
 * The use of mixed dentition analysis: Mixed dentition analysis is a tool that can be used to assess the space available for the eruption of permanent teeth. This information can be used to help plan treatment and prevent malocclusions.
 * The role of orthodontic appliances: Orthodontic appliances can be used to correct malocclusions in mixed dentition patients. There are a variety of appliances that can be used, and the choice of appliance will depend on the specific needs of the patient.