Overcrowding may be caused by a small jaw, big teeth or a combination of both. This can result in a permanent tooth coming in behind the baby tooth in the lower jaw. In the upper jaw, a permanent tooth may arise in front of the baby tooth. If a child’s mouth is overcrowded, a permanent tooth may not be directly underneath the baby tooth, therefore causing the permanent tooth to erupt out of its natural alignment. We recommend that your child be evaluated by a pediatric dentist to determine the best course of action in allowing the permanent tooth to erupt in the best possible position. If a baby tooth is over-retained on the upper front area, it must be evaluated for possible removal as soon as possible.