Most people’s teeth grow into the mouth according to a specific timetable. Sometimes the teeth do not erupt in the proper order. Permanent teeth that arrive too early may take up space that later teeth need. Permanent teeth that arrive too late may not have anywhere to go.

If the space left for your permanent teeth by the developing jaw and the baby teeth is too small, some teeth may be blocked out. The illustration on page 7 shows how the permanent teeth grow in and leave a certain amount of space for the remaining teeth. If this space is too small, teeth will force themselves out even if they have to twist, tip, or come in at strange angles. On the other hand, if the space is too large, there may be gaps between the teeth.

If the teeth don’t come in on schedule, or if there isn’t enough room in your jaw, you may have crooked teeth.