At age 6, a primary second molar relationship in flush terminal plane can lead to which malocclusion?

At age 6, a primary second molar relationship in flush terminal plane can lead to which malocclusion?

• A. Distal bite
• B. Mesial bite
• C. Open bite
• D. Deep bite

Answer: (A)

When the upper and lower second primary molars meet end-to-end, they form a flush terminal plane. As the first permanent molars erupt around age 6, the future relationship of these molars depends on whether the mandible shifts forward (mesial shift) during eruption. If a mesial shift occurs, the permanent molars align into Class I. If there is little or no forward shift, the molars settle in a position where the mandibular molar is distal to the maxillary molar, producing a distal bite (Class II molar relationship). Open bite or deep bite are not the typical outcome of this scenario, and a mesial shift would point toward a Class I or sometimes III pattern rather than a distal bite.

When the upper and lower second primary molars meet end-to-end, they form a flush terminal plane. As the first permanent molars erupt around age 6, the future relationship of these molars depends on whether the mandible shifts forward (mesial shift) during eruption. If a mesial shift occurs, the permanent molars align into Class I. If there is little or no forward shift, the molars settle in a position where the mandibular molar is distal to the maxillary molar, producing a distal bite (Class II molar relationship). Open bite or deep bite are not the typical outcome of this scenario, and a mesial shift would point toward a Class I or sometimes III pattern rather than a distal bite.