What does “Dentition” mean?
Dentition refers to the composition and arrangement of teeth in the mouth. It is also classified according to its composition, such as deciduous dentition made up of baby teeth, mixed dentition made up of baby teeth and permanent teeth, and permanent dentition.
Composition changes during growth
While primary teeth fall out and permanent teeth emerge, the two types remain together in the mouth. At this time, the dentition is one step in tooth replacement, so the final alignment is not judged based on just one photo.
View the upper and lower teeth separately and together
The maxillary and mandibular dentition refer to the arrangement of the upper and lower teeth, respectively. After looking at the condition of each row, check the occlusion where the upper and lower teeth meet each other.
Distinguishing tooth alignment from function
Whether your teeth look aligned and how they fit together when you chew are different pieces of information. If you are concerned about your dentition, explain which area you are concerned about the shape of and the discomfort in chewing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does mixed dentition mean that the teeth have erupted incorrectly?
Mixed dentition is the stage when primary and permanent teeth are present together during tooth replacement. The term itself does not indicate an abnormality. Eruption positions and space are assessed separately.
Is it possible to determine occlusion based solely on dentition photos?
It is impossible to tell how the top and bottom fit together just by looking at the arrangement of the teeth on one side. We will take necessary oral examinations and records together.
Questions needed to understand dentition
Learn what the term means and how it relates to your dental condition.
- Sufficient understanding
What stage of tooth replacement are you currently in?
Explanation and evidenceIt is easy to understand the currently visible arrangement by distinguishing between primary dentition, mixed dentition, and permanent dentition.
Department of Health, Victoria, Australia · Teeth development in children - A choice suited to your condition
Has the way the upper and lower teeth meet been checked as well as alignment?
Explanation and evidenceExamination results distinguish the appearance of the dentition from chewing function.
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs · Understanding Jaw Anatomy and Problems

