Tooth eruption is a complex process that begins at 6 months of age, when the first temporary incisors appear, and continues until the age of 20-21 years, when the last molar, the wisdom tooth, erupts.

The stages of eruption are complex and can be divided into several categories, depending on the degree of development of the jaw bones, tooth formation and eruption.

As in any complex developmental process involving several structures, some incongruities or gaps may occur between the eruptive age and the degree of bone growth.

The first permanent teeth start to appear from the age of 6, which is why this period is considered the most important.

Teeth must be given proper hygiene whether they are temporary or permanent, because often, due to complicated carious processes in temporary teeth, there are delays in the eruption of permanent teeth.

Detecting abnormalities as early as possible increases the success rate of the treatment to be instituted.

In this way, an optimal result is ensured, which satisfies the requirements of both the doctor and the patient.

Even if initially cooperation with the young patient may be difficult, through patience, calmness and a willingness to show and explain the maneuvers in the patient’s own language, the child will gain confidence over time.

Characteristics of the 6 to 9 years age group

• Eruption of incisors – incisors are the front teeth of both the jaw and the mandible, 8 in number, 4 in each arch, which are successive teeth replacing the temporary incisors.

The permanent teeth are larger than the deciduous teeth, so the spacing of the temporary teeth is normal.

Incisors may erupt straight and be harmoniously aligned on the arch, or they may have abnormalities of arrangement if space is restricted or if there are other formations that prevent them from erupting straight.

• Eruption of 6-year-old molars – is perhaps the most important aspect of dental eruption.

The 6-year-old molars are teeth located behind the temporary ones, they do not replace them but are posteriorly placed, therefore their eruption may be overlooked by parents.

An important role of the 6-year molars is to maintain the proper height and relationship between the mandible and the jaw.

If they decay early due to poor hygiene, serious occlusal pathologies may occur in the future.

The normal occlusal ratio or physiological bite on the incisors involves contact of the teeth, with the mandibular teeth being easily circumscribed by the maxillary teeth.

Among the most common occlusal anomalies that can occur between 6 and 9 years of age, we describe below:

• Open occlusion – is the lack of contact between the dental arches and may be due to the vicious habit of finger sucking.

• Deep occlusion – is the total circumscription of the lower teeth by the upper teeth, so that the incisal edges of the teeth come into contact with the gum.

• Cross occlusion – occurs when the lower teeth circumscribe the upper teeth.

These abnormalities do not correct themselves, especially as they are often associated with some vicious habits the child has.

By wearing removable braces and correcting unhealthy habits, the results can be spectacular.

The appearance of the dental arches in children between 6 and 9 years of age is an important stage in the development of dentition and occlusion.

During this period, children begin to have permanent teeth, and their eruption can influence how the dental arch forms and functions. It is essential that parents and dentists are aware of these issues so that they can detect any abnormalities and intervene as early as possible to ensure effective treatment and optimal results.

Tooth eruption starts around 6 months of age, when the first temporary incisors appear.

This process continues until the age of 20-21, when the last molar, also called the wisdom molar, erupts.

The stages of eruption are complex and can be divided into different categories, depending on the development of the jaw bones, tooth formation and eruption.

An important aspect of tooth eruption is the appearance of the first permanent teeth around the age of 6. This stage is crucial for the development of the dentition, as permanent teeth are larger and bulkier than temporary teeth.

Temporary teeth need to be properly hygienised as decay can affect the eruption process of permanent teeth and cause delays or misalignment.

Early detection of dental abnormalities is essential to ensure the success of subsequent treatment.

By identifying early any incongruities or mismatches between eruptive age and bone development, appropriate interventions can be made to correct these issues and achieve an optimal outcome.

Collaboration and communication with the child is key at this stage, although initially it may be difficult.

By being patient, calm and explaining dental procedures in a child’s understanding, you can gain the child’s trust and facilitate treatment.

Features of the 6-to-9-year period include the eruption of the 6-year-old incisors and molars. Incisors are frontally located teeth in both the jaw and mandible, and their eruption may be accompanied by certain anomalies of arrangement, depending on available space and other formations that may impede linear eruption.

The eruption of 6-year-old molars is particularly important, although it may be overlooked by parents.

These molars do not replace the temporary teeth, but are placed posterior to them. Their role is to maintain the proper height and ratio of the mandible to the jaw.

If 6-year-old molars develop cavities due to poor hygiene, serious occlusal problems may develop in the future.

A crucial aspect in assessing the appearance of the dental arches in children between 6 and 9 years of age is physiological occlusion or bite.

Normal occlusion involves contact between the mandibular and maxillary teeth, with the incisal edges of the lower incisors slightly embedded in the upper incisors.

However, various occlusal abnormalities may occur during this period.

Open occlusion is the lack of contact between the dental arches and can be caused by vicious habits such as thumb sucking.

Deep occlusion is characterized by the complete overlapping of the lower teeth by the upper teeth and the incisal edges touching the gum.

Cross-occlusion occurs when the lower teeth circumscribe the upper teeth.

It is important to understand that these occlusal anomalies do not correct themselves and may be associated with unhealthy habits of the child.

In order to achieve optimal results, dental intervention is necessary, such as wearing removable orthodontic appliances and correcting vicious habits.

With proper treatment and correction of the occlusion during this period, spectacular results can be achieved and proper functionality and dental aesthetics can be ensured in the future.

In conclusion, the appearance of the dental arches in children aged 6 to 9 years is a crucial stage in the development of dentition and occlusion.

It is essential that parents and dentists pay particular attention to tooth eruption and detect any abnormalities or gaps in bone development.

With early intervention and appropriate treatment, optimal results can be achieved and a healthy and beautiful smile can be ensured for children in the long term.