Posteruptive tooth movement can accommodate for which of the following?

• A. Growing jaw
• B. Continued occlusal wear
• C. Interproximal wear
• D. All of the above

Answer: (D)

Posteruptive tooth movement is how teeth adjust after eruption to keep the bite stable as the jaw changes and wear occurs. When the jaw grows, the arches get larger, so teeth may erupt slightly more to maintain contact with their counterparts. If the occlusal surfaces wear down from chewing, the teeth can continue to erupt to reestablish proper contacts and vertical dimension. Proximal wear between adjacent teeth alters contact points, and small movements help preserve alignment and occlusion. Because this gradual post-eruptive adjustment can respond to jaw growth, ongoing occlusal wear, and interproximal wear, it can accommodate all of these situations.