Do the front teeth get replaced?
Mar 17, 2022
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Liu Dong
Introduction
The front teeth (incisors) will be replaced. Primary central incisors—commonly known as “front teeth”—are typically replaced around age 6. During this transition, it is important to note that if the permanent tooth has already erupted—often on the labial or lingual side of the primary tooth—while the primary tooth remains firmly in place, this condition is termed “retained deciduous tooth.” In such cases, prompt dental consultation is necessary to extract the retained primary incisor; otherwise, it may interfere with the normal eruption of the permanent tooth.
Tooth replacement refers to the natural process in which primary (deciduous) teeth are shed and permanent teeth erupt. Under normal circumstances, a permanent tooth germ lies beneath each primary tooth root. As a child grows and develops, these permanent tooth germs gradually mature and sequentially erupt. So, do the front teeth (incisors) get replaced? Below is an explanation of this question.
Do the front teeth get replaced?
Yes, the front teeth—specifically the primary maxillary central incisors—are replaced. This typically occurs around age six.
During the replacement process, it is important to note that if a permanent tooth has already begun to erupt—often on the labial (outer) or lingual (inner) side of the primary tooth—but the primary tooth remains firmly in place, this condition is termed “retained primary teeth.” In such cases, prompt dental consultation is recommended to extract the retained primary incisor. Failure to do so may interfere with the proper eruption of the permanent tooth, potentially causing malpositioning outside the normal dental arch and leading to crowding or misalignment once all primary teeth have been replaced. When the crown of the permanent tooth begins to emerge—either on the lingual or labial side of the primary tooth—it often displays a serrated or nodular incisal edge. As the permanent crown continues to erupt, root resorption of the primary tooth accelerates, resulting in noticeable mobility. Once the primary tooth root is fully resorbed, the primary tooth exfoliates, and the permanent tooth gradually migrates into its correct position, completing the replacement process.
During the tooth-replacement phase, encourage children to consume firmer foods—such as corn or apples—and allow them to cut, bite, and chew these foods themselves rather than pre-cutting them into small pieces. This promotes healthy, natural exfoliation of primary teeth.
The above provides an overview of whether the front teeth are replaced. We hope this information is helpful to you.
