American Board of Orthodontics (ABO) Practice Exam 2026 - Free Orthodontics Practice Questions and Study Guide

Delayed tooth eruption (DTE) is a notable phenomenon observed in individuals with supernumerary teeth, which are additional teeth that can disrupt the normal dental arch and timing of tooth eruption. Research indicates that the occurrence of delayed eruption in white individuals with supernumerary teeth falls within the range of 28-60%. This statistic highlights a significant correlation between the presence of supernumerary teeth and the likelihood of DTE, reflecting the impact supernumeraries can have on dental development and eruption patterns.

The range of 28-60% shows that while not all individuals with supernumeraries will experience DTE, a considerable proportion will, indicating that supernumeraries can indeed pose challenges for normal dentition. Understanding this prevalence is crucial for orthodontic practitioners as they assess and plan treatment for patients with supernumerary teeth, and helps inform diagnosis and management of potential complications related to tooth eruption.