Introduction The size of the teeth and the timing of the developing dentition and its eruption are genetically determined. Teeth are highly independent in their development. Also, teeth tend to develop along a genetically predetermined course. Serious illness, nutritional deprivation, and trauma can significantly impact development of the teeth.
Teeth erupt full size and are ideal for study throughout life.
Furthermore, in living people, dental casts and X-ray films are obtained with relative ease. Most important, age and sex can be recorded. With loose teeth in museum collections, age and sex cannot be determined with reliability. When teeth erupt into the oral cavity, a new set of factors influence tooth position. As the teeth come into function, genetic and environment determine tooth position.