Which eruption causes the first physiological elevation of the occlusion?

Which eruption causes the first physiological elevation of the occlusion?

• A. Temporary lower incisors
• B. Lower permanent incisors
• C. Temporary first molars
• D. Permanent first molars

Answer: (C)

When teeth begin to erupt, occlusion increases as they come into functional contact. The first time this happens in a way that raises the height of the bite is with the eruption of the deciduous first molars. They are the first posterior teeth to erupt into the mouth and establish a cusp-to-fossa (posterior) contact with the opposing dentition, creating the initial, functional occlusal relationship in the primary dentition. Anterior teeth (the deciduous incisors) do erupt earlier, but their contact is mainly incisal and does not produce the same notable rise in occlusal height. The permanent first molars and other teeth will modify and further elevate occlusion later in development, but the initial physiological elevation is set by the deciduous first molars.

When teeth begin to erupt, occlusion increases as they come into functional contact. The first time this happens in a way that raises the height of the bite is with the eruption of the deciduous first molars. They are the first posterior teeth to erupt into the mouth and establish a cusp-to-fossa (posterior) contact with the opposing dentition, creating the initial, functional occlusal relationship in the primary dentition. Anterior teeth (the deciduous incisors) do erupt earlier, but their contact is mainly incisal and does not produce the same notable rise in occlusal height. The permanent first molars and other teeth will modify and further elevate occlusion later in development, but the initial physiological elevation is set by the deciduous first molars.