When an infant begins teething, we know it’s almost time for their teeth to come in. Infants’ baby teeth start to appear at 6 to 10 months of age. This is the first stage of the development of teeth.
The central incisors tend to come in first, then teeth begin to appear on either side, and the molars come in last. Lower teeth usually appear two months before the uppers. At about two and a half years of age, most children have their 20 primary teeth. As the child grows, the jaw also grows – spaces may then begin to appear between the primary teeth.
Baby teeth play a major role in the development of teeth. They not only hold the placement for permanent teeth, but they help guide them into the correct position.
At about the age of 5, most children begin to lose their baby teeth and grow permanent teeth. The first permanent teeth that come in are the molars. After this, the lower central incisors begin to loosen and fall out, and are then replaced by permanent teeth. It can take a span of six years for baby teeth to be replaced with permanent teeth.
Unfortunately, permanent teeth can come in crooked, sideways, have too much space in between or overlap one another. When this happens, braces are needed to improve the teeth.
At around the age of 7, children should have their first visit with an orthodontist. At this age, children may still have some baby teeth, but the orthodontist can evaluate any issues that may be present.
The best age to be fitted for braces is between the ages of 8 and 14.
Check out this cool video on teeth development.
Devoted Family Dental welcomes patients of all ages. Do you need a checkup?