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Once the tooth has erupted into full occlusion, that is, it meets the opposing tooth in the opposite arch, there is no more growth of the tooth itself.

However, fully erupted teeth can move and shift depending on a number of factors. For example, if the opposing tooth or any adjacent tooth is removed, the tooth can shift as it seeks a new equilibrium (all opposing forces being equal). In the case of the opposing tooth being removed, the tooth can 'super-erupt' and move toward the opposing space. In extreme cases the tooth can actually work (grow) out of its socket if it does not meet some opposition to stop it.

If a tooth is in malocclusion (bad relationship to other teeth) it can shift and move in such a way that it appears to be 'growing' but this is not actual growth. The tooth is the same size, it may just appear larger because more of it is visible relative to other teeth.

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12y ago

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