Skip to main content

Mixed Dentition: What to Look For

Ma Allysa Suazo avatar
Written by Ma Allysa Suazo
Updated this week

Mixed dentition, the stage where both primary and permanent teeth are present, can be one of the most critical periods in dental development. It typically occurs between the ages of 6 and 12 and often presents diagnostic and treatment challenges due to variability in eruption patterns and spacing.


🪥 Why Mixed Dentition Matters

Early identification of issues in mixed dentition allows for timely intervention, which can:

  • Prevent more complex orthodontic problems later

  • Preserve space for erupting teeth

  • Guide jaw growth and occlusion development


🌟 How to Identify Mixed Dentition

🩺 Age and Developmental Stage

  • Usually seen in children aged 6–12

  • Compare dental development with expected eruption sequences

👩‍⚕️ Clinical Examination

  • Identify which teeth are primary vs. permanent

  • Look for spacing, crowding, or missing teeth

  • Check for oral habits affecting development (e.g., thumb sucking)

✅ Radiographic Assessment

  • Panoramic X-rays to visualize unerupted teeth and root development

  • Identify any anomalies like extra or missing teeth

📖 Orthodontic Records

  • Intraoral and extraoral photos

  • Digital models to evaluate arch form and occlusion

  • Occlusal classification (Class I, II, or III)

🩻 Skeletal and Growth Evaluation

  • Use cephalometric analysis for jaw development and symmetry

  • Monitor for early signs of skeletal discrepancies

🔎 Ongoing Monitoring

  • Reassess at key transition stages

  • Implement interceptive treatment when appropriate (e.g., space maintainers or palatal expanders)


💖 Orthosnap’s Advantage in Mixed Dentition

Many aligner systems struggle with the variability of mixed dentition, but Orthosnap’s patented manufacturing process and precision-fit trays offer excellent control, even in transitional cases. With its clear diagnostic protocols and predictable outcomes, Orthosnap empowers providers to address early orthodontic needs confidently.

Related Articles:

Did this answer your question?