Pediatric
Mixed dentition
Mixed dentition is the stage of childhood when both baby teeth and adult teeth are in the mouth at the same time.
This stage runs from about age 6 to around age 12 or 13. During it, the first adult molars and the front teeth appear, and the baby teeth fall out one by one. A study in the NIH library says mixed dentition is the stage where both primary and permanent teeth are present, and so it is the time for developing occlusion, or the bite. Teeth can look uneven or crowded for a while, and that is often normal. Dentists watch spacing and jaw growth in this stage. If a problem shows, early care such as interceptive orthodontics or a space maintainer may be discussed. See primary teeth and our page on dentistry for kids.