Variability in permanent tooth emergence sequences in Flemish children

The aim of the present study was to investigate the variability in permanent tooth emergence sequences in Flemish children. Data were obtained in the Signal-Tandmobiel project, a 6-yr prospective longitudinal oral health screening survey in Belgium. Bayesian statistical analyses, taking into account the interval-censored character of the data, were performed. The analyses indicated that no sequence was common in a quadrant to more than 19% of the sample. When only those emergence sequences are considered with a prevalence of 1% or more, 21 variations can be expected in the maxilla and 15-22 variations in the mandible. These variations 'cover' 84-88% of all sequences. The presentation of emergence sequences solely based on means or medians should thus be regarded as misleading.