What is transposition in orthodontics?

What is transposition in orthodontics?

• A. The rotation of the tooth around its axis
• B. Mesial movement of the tooth
• C. Teeth change their places in the dental arch
• D. Incorrect teeth eruption

Answer: (C)

Transposition in orthodontics means two teeth swap places in the same dental arch, occupying each other’s usual spaces. It’s a positional interchange, which can be complete (each tooth sits in the other’s normal spot) or partial (one tooth moves toward the neighbor’s space but the swap isn’t fully completed). This is different from simply rotating a tooth around its axis, or moving a tooth mesially or distally, or from a tooth erupting in an abnormal location without exchanging positions. The classic example is a canine and a premolar in the upper jaw, though it can involve other pairs as well.

Transposition in orthodontics means two teeth swap places in the same dental arch, occupying each other’s usual spaces. It’s a positional interchange, which can be complete (each tooth sits in the other’s normal spot) or partial (one tooth moves toward the neighbor’s space but the swap isn’t fully completed). This is different from simply rotating a tooth around its axis, or moving a tooth mesially or distally, or from a tooth erupting in an abnormal location without exchanging positions. The classic example is a canine and a premolar in the upper jaw, though it can involve other pairs as well.