Dentition Patterns Research Articles

Exploration and innovative application of digital technology in pediatric dentistry

Pediatric dentistry treats patients aged 0-18 years, encompassing the characteristics of general dentistry. The clinical techniques are closely related to restorative dentistry, endodontics, orthodontics, and maxillofacial surgery, while also possessing unique aspects. It particularly focuses on the growth and development patterns of children's dentition and maxillofacial structures. Currently, digital technology has deeply integrated with various clinical disciplines of dentistry, and pediatric dentistry has made significant progress with pediatric-specific digital applications. On one hand, the introduction of mature digital technologies is enabling the digital transformation of pediatric dental treatment models; on the other hand, there is innovative development of new digital technologies tailored to the specific needs of pediatric dental care, filling gaps in the field. Based on years of research in digital technology for pediatric dentistry, our team details the current innovative applications and scientific explorations in this area from these two perspectives. Additionally, we anticipate the potential expansion of digital technologies not yet applied in pediatric dentistry, providing a reference for clinical scholars in the field to conduct exploratory research.

Non-dental odontodes in the masticatory apparatus of †pycnodonts (Osteichthyes, Actinopterygii)

ABSTRACT Two specimens of the pycnodont Haquelpycnodus picteti from the Cenomanian (Late Cretaceous) of Lebanon possess small non-dental odontodes flanking the teeth inside the oral cavity. These odontodes are distributed labially with respect to the vomerine and prearticular dentition, corresponding to the internal face of the cheek and in front of the maxilla. They have no relation to any of the bones in the mouth region and were situated in the endo-oral mucosa. This dentition pattern resembles that of the earliest osteichthyans and stem-gnathostomes. SEM-investigation of the non-dental odontodes demonstrates a thick layer of orthodentine covered by two thin outer layers of acrodin. The microchemical composition of these odontodes corresponds to those of the dermal scales (derived from odontodes) that are distributed in the integument of the same examined specimen. Both morphology, ultrastructure, and topographic relationships demonstrate that these structures are dermal and not dental odontodes. The reappearance of dermal odontodes in the dentition of individual specimens of Haquelpycnodus thus reflects the latent capacity of the endo-oral mucosa to form non-dental odontodes. These odontodes probably exerted lateral pressure to the content within the oral cavity, which took place synchronously with the prehensile movements of the incisors.

Cranial anatomy of Acynodon adriaticus and extreme durophagous adaptations in Eusuchia (Reptilia: Crocodylomorpha).

Acynodon adriaticus, a small eusuchian from the Late Cretaceous of Italy, is known for its well-preserved cranial and postcranial material. Despite its excellent preservation, many details remain hidden due to the physical overlap between the elements and matrix obliteration. We used Micro-CT scans to reveal previously overlooked anatomical features and describe in detail the cranial and dental anatomy of this taxon, shedding new light on its palaeoecology. The holotypic specimen, SC 57248, represents a mature individual exhibiting signs of hyperossification, developed ornamentation, and various pathologies, including jaw arthritis and a possible dental anomaly. Acynodon adriaticus exhibits significant durophagous adaptations, including a robust, brevirostrine skull optimized for powerful biting and stress-load capacity. Its specialized dentition, lacking caniniform teeth, features anterior chisel-like teeth and hypertrophic posterior molariforms with thick enamel, indicative of a diet specializing in hard-shelled prey. The dentition pattern, accelerated molariform replacement rate, and reduced orbit size suggest adaptations for durophagous foraging in turbid, densely vegetated aquatic environments. The paleoecological context during the Late Cretaceous, characterized by increased freshwater habitats and high invertebrate diversity, likely facilitated the evolution of such specialized traits in A. adriaticus. This small crocodylomorph likely foraged slowly in shallow, benthic environments, using its powerful bite to process mollusks and large arthropods. The study of A. adriaticus, along with comparisons with other crocodylomorphs and ecomorphologically similar taxa like Iharkutosuchus makadii and Gnatusuchus pebasensis, provides a valuable morphofunctional model for understanding the evolutionary pathways of extinct crocodylians to durophagy.

A numerical analysis of the variation and correlation of crown elements in the upper cheek teeth of the european beaver, <i>castor fiber</i> (rodentia, castoridae), based on geometric morphometrics

Individual and age variations and correlation of the upper cheek teeth were studied in the European beaver, Castor fiber, based on an “elementaristic” description of dental crown elements by means of geometric morphometrics and applying correlation, cluster, and dispersion analyses. The basic algorithm for both within- and between-teeth comparisons was described. The least individual variability is characteristic of the teeth taking middle positions in the cheek tooth row. No clear-cut relation of the levels of individual variation of crown elements is revealed with respect to either their position in the tooth crown or their complexity. The age differences in the shape of crown elements may occasionally be very significant, with the juveniles being the most specific in this respect. The least individually variable dental units (either total teeth or particular elements) appear to generally be the most variable with age, although this result may be purely “statistical” in nature. The correlation between dental crown elements is generally not very high, with within-teeth correlations being slightly stronger than between-teeth ones. The correlations are generally stronger in the adults than in the other age groups. The dental correlations vary with age, with general trends of age differences in correlations being the opposite for within- and between-teeth comparisons. The general levels of correlations and the magnitudes of their age differences are inversely related in the case of between-teeth comparisons. The overall correlation pattern of dental crown elements is more evident in the combined age group of subadults + adults. Further explorations of both the variation and integration patterns of mammalian dentition should be based on an “elementaristic” description of the dental crown.

New genus and species of ponerine ant (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) from Mexican amber

ABSTRACT A new genus and species of ponerine ant from Mexican amber, Siinikaponera sulimata, is described and illustrated. The type material is an amber inclusion from the Montecristo mine in Chiapas, Mexico, which dates back to the Oligo-Miocene period. Siinikaponera sulimata gen. et sp. nov. shares traits with other ants in the subfamily Ponerinae, including the outer edges of the frontal lobes forming simple short semicircles or blunt triangles, presence of promesonotal suture, meso- and metatibia with 0–2 spurs, antenna with 12 segments, constriction between the first and second gastral tergite well impressed, presence of sting, complete wing venation, and complete cell patterns. Siinikaponera sulimata gen. et sp. nov. also has unique features that separate it from other ponerine ants, such as fore, middle and hind tibiae with two spurs each, anterior margin of clypeus with two anteriorly projecting lobes, mandible dentition pattern, posterior peduncle of petiole long, and presence of relatively long coxae. A distinctive feature of Siinikaponera sulimata gen. et sp. nov. is the presence of two projecting lobes on the anterior clypeal margin, a plesiomorphic character shared with the genus Dinoponera. Accordingly, this new fossil record offers valuable insights into the worldwide diversity and distribution of ponerine ants.

Tooth movement analysis of maxillary dentition distalization using clear aligners with buccal and palatal mini-screw anchorages: A finite element study.

To assess the tooth movement trends during the three stages of maxillary dentition distalization with clear aligners (CA) and to compare the efficacy of different mini-screw anchorage systems. Three-dimensional (3D) finite element models of three anchorage systems (A, control group; B, buccal mini-screw anchorage group; C, palatal mini-screw anchorage group) were established. Three stages of simulating maxillary dentition distalization with CA included maxillary molar distalization (stage 1), maxillary premolar distalization (stage 2) and maxillary anterior teeth retraction (stage 3). Therefore, a total of nine models were constructed to analyse the 3D displacement of maxillary teeth during the distalization process. The displacement pattern of maxillary dentition during distalization was similar across the three groups, but with varying magnitudes. During stage 1, groups B and C exhibited greater amounts of molar distalization compared to group A. Group C also demonstrated the least amount of labial movement of the maxillary central incisor compared to the other two groups. During stage 2, the mesial displacement of the maxillary first molar was less significant in groups B and C than in group A. In the final stage, group C exhibited a greater amount of maxillary anterior retraction compared to groups A and B. The palatal mini-screw anchorage system was effective in reducing anchorage loss and improving the efficacy of maxillary dentition distalization with CA.

Dentition patterns and molecular diversity of Mastophorus muris (Gmelin, 1790) (Nematoda: Spiruroidea) support a host-associated subdivision

Mastophorus muris (Gmelin, 1790) is a globally distributed parasitic nematode of broad range mammals. The taxonomy within the genus Mastophorus and the cryptic diversity among the genus are controversial among taxonomists. This study provides a detailed morphological description of M. muris from Mus musculus combined with a molecular phylogenetic approach. Moreover, descriptions and molecular data of M. muris from non-Mus rodents and wildcats complement our findings and together provide new insights into their taxonomy. The analysis of M. muris was based on light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. The morphological description focused on the dentition pattern of the two trilobed pseudolabia. Additionally, we described the position of the vulva, arrangement of caudal pairs of papillae, spicules and measured specimens from both sexes and the eggs. For the molecular phylogenetic approach, we amplified the small subunit ribosomal RNA gene and the internal transcribed spacer, and the cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1. Mastophorus morphotypes based on dentition patterns and phylogenetic clustering indicate a subdivision of the genus in agreement with their host. We recognize two groups without a change to formal taxonomy: One group including those specimens infecting Mus musculus, and the second group including organisms infecting non-Mus rodents. Our genetic and morphological data shed light into the cryptic diversity within the genus Mastopohorus. We identified two host-associated groups of M. muris. The described morphotypes and genotypes of M. muris allow a consistent distinction between host-associated parasites.

Cranial anatomy of Emeroleter levis and the phylogeny of Nycteroleteridae.

Among the diverse basal reptile clade Parareptilia, the nycteroleters are among the most poorly understood. The interrelationships of nycteroleters are contentious, being recovered as both monophyletic and paraphyletic in different analyses, yet their anatomy has received little attention. We utilized x-ray computed tomography to investigate the skull of the nycteroleterid Emeroleter levis, revealing aspects of both the external and internal cranial anatomy that were previously unknown or undescribed, especially relating to the palate, braincase, and mandible. Our results reveal a greater diversity in nycteroleter cranial anatomy than was previously recognized, including variation in the contribution of the palatal elements to the orbitonasal ridge among nycteroleters. Of particular note are the unique dentition patterns in Emeroleter, including the presence of dentition on the ectopterygoid, an element which is typically edentulous in most parareptiles. We then incorporate the novel information gained from the computed tomography analysis into an updated phylogenetic analysis of parareptiles, producing a fully resolved Nycteroleteridae and further supporting previous suggestions that the genus 'Bashkyroleter' is paraphyletic.

Tooth replacement in the early-diverging neornithischian Jeholosaurus shangyuanensis and implications for dental evolution and herbivorous adaptation in Ornithischia

BackgroundTooth replacement patterns of early-diverging ornithischians, which are important for understanding the evolution of the highly specialized dental systems in hadrosaurid and ceratopsid dinosaurs, are poorly known. The early-diverging neornithischian Jeholosaurus, a small, bipedal herbivorous dinosaur from the Early Cretaceous Jehol Biota, is an important taxon for understanding ornithischian dental evolution, but its dental morphology was only briefly described previously and its tooth replacement is poorly known.ResultsCT scanning of six specimens representing different ontogenetic stages of Jeholosaurus reveals significant new information regarding the dental system of Jeholosaurus, including one or two replacement teeth in nearly all alveoli, relatively complete tooth resorption, and an increase in the numbers of alveoli and replacement teeth during ontogeny. Reconstructions of Zahnreihen indicate that the replacement pattern of the maxillary dentition is similar to that of the dentary dentition but with a cyclical difference. The maxillary tooth replacement rate in Jeholosaurus is probably 46 days, which is faster than that of most other early-diverging ornithischians. During the ontogeny of Jeholosaurus, the premaxillary tooth replacement rate slows from 25 days to 33 days with similar daily dentine formation.ConclusionsThe tooth replacement rate exhibits a decreasing trend with ontogeny, as in Alligator. In a phylogenetic context, fast tooth replacement and multi-generation replacement teeth have evolved at least twice independently in Ornithopoda, and our analyses suggest that the early-diverging members of the major ornithischian clades exhibit different tooth replacement patterns as an adaption to herbivory.

The Preternatural First Premolar: A Ground Section Tooth Case Report

Ectopic eruption is a developmental disturbance in eruption pattern of permanent dentition most often associated with maxillary first permanent molar (2-6%of general population), mandibular lateral incisors (<1%), maxillary permanent canines (1.5-2%). Ectopic eruption of teeth is a rare phenomenon although cases have been reported in nasal cavity, maxillary sinus, mandible, palate, orbital cavity. Ectopic eruption of mandibular first premolar is a rare condition and there were no discussions in the literature about its eruption in coronoid process. Premature loss of primary second molar and second permanent premolar can lead to disturbed eruption of first premolar. In this case report, we present an ectopic mandibular first premolar at the level of sigmoid notch below the right coronoid process.

New larval records of the extinct hard tick Compluriscutula vetulum (Arachnida: Ixodida) from Burmese amber, with notes on its morphology

The hard tick Compluriscutula vetulumPoinar and Buckley, 2008 (Ixodida: Ixodidae) from the mid-Cretaceous (ca. 100 Ma) Burmese amber of Myanmar was first described in a new, extinct genus based on a larva. Here, several more larvae are documented providing additional morphological data based on optical studies using a Keyence VHX-6000 Digital Microscope supplemented by computed microtomography (µ-CT). We confirm the presence of 14 festoons (not 13) on the posterior margin of the body, a character unique for the genus. We further describe an unusual pattern of hypostome dentition in the mouthparts, with an unequal and uneven 2/2 arrangement. Moreover, on the internal side of the palps, to the second and third segments five tooth-like elements are present, similar to the hypostome dentition. Fossil ticks are generally very rare, thus the discovery of numerous new specimens of C. vetulum suggests that it may have been relatively common in the Burmese amber forest. Larval instars predominate in the fossil record and we might speculate that they preferred arboricolous hosts.

Differences in the dentition pattern in monozygotic twins based on panoramic examinations – case report on two pairs of twins

The aim of the study is to present two examples of twins with differences in their dentition revealed with the use of panoramic examinations. The analysis based on panoramic X-rays shows that even though the monozygotic twins share 100% of the genome, their dentitions reveal significant differences.

Analysis of the hard-tissue menton shape variation in adult South Africans using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans

: In forensic anthropology, the biological profile is based on human variation and can help in the process of personal identification. In order to better understand shape variation of the mental region, this study analyzed the influence of population affinity and sex on the menton in adult black and white South Africans, using geometric morphometric methods (GMM). : We used cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans of 291 adult dental patients with dentition patterns up to Eichner Index B3, retrospectively collected from the Oral and Dental Hospital, University of Pretoria. We placed eleven standard craniometric landmarks on the menton, mandible, and maxilla of three-dimensional (3D) reconstructions by automatic landmarking and analyzed them by applying GMM. In addition, a subtle shape matrix of seven landmarks was created for a focused analysis of the menton only. Finally, we tested the reproducibility of the landmarks placement with a dispersion analysis. : The landmarks used in this study were reproducible, with an overall dispersion of less than 1 mm. Population affinity significantly influenced menton shape, with P-values = 0.001 in the complete sample and within the sex groups. Differences between sexes for these seven landmarks were also statistically significant (P-values between 0.001 to 0.003) in the complete sample, but not within population groups in isolation. The accuracy for estimation of population affinity by discriminant function analysis was 86.9%. : The use of automatic landmarking improved landmark reproducibility. Population affinity and sexual dimorphism significantly influenced menton shape. However, shape analysis, including all eleven landmarks, was not significantly influenced by sex. This study supports further research focusing on the facial approximations for forensic identification in South Africa.

Relationship between Posterior Permanent Dentition Pattern and Radiographic Changes of the Mandibular Condyle.

This study assessed the relationship between posterior permanent dentition and radiographic changes of the mandibular condyle. This descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted on 300 panoramic radiographs of patients over 40 years of age (188 females and 112 males). Panoramic radiographs were evaluated for condylar changes such as flattening, subcortical sclerosis, subcortical cyst, erosion, osteophytes, and generalized sclerosis. Presence of muscle pain and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain and sounds, and history of TMJ trauma were also assessed. The occlusal scheme of posterior teeth was analyzed according to the Eichner's index. The frequency of condylar changes was calculated in the right and left sides, and their association with posterior permanent dentition was analyzed by the Chi-square test (alpha = 0.05). The frequency of flattening, muscle pain, TMJ sounds, and erosion was 11.7%, 9.7%, 5.7%, and 3.7% in the right side, respectively. The frequency of flattening, muscle pain, erosion, and subcortical cyst was 12%, 9.3%, 5%, and 5% in the left side, respectively. The frequency of bilateral muscle pain, flattening, TMJ sounds, and TMJ pain was 18%, 16.7%, 11.7%, and 9.3%, respectively. Cases with TMJ trauma, generalized sclerosis, and osteophytes were few. According to the Eichner's index, most patients with condylar changes had classes A and B, and a smaller percentage had class C. No significant difference was noted between healthy individuals and those with condylar changes regarding dentition patterns. No relationship existed between condylar changes and posterior permanent dentition pattern.

A new congrid eel, Rhynchoconger randalli sp. nov. (Congridae: Anguilliformes), with a pentagonal pattern of vomer dentition from the Bay of Bengal, Indian waters.

A new species Rhynchoconger randalli sp. nov. is described herein on the basis of 2 specimens collected from Paradeep fishing harbor, Odisha, India along the Bay of Bengal from a depth of about 3640 meters. The pentagonal vomerine teeth pattern is unique among all the Rhynchoconger species described to date. The new species is characterized by predorsal vertebrae 78 and preanal vertebrae 2931. The new species closely resembles the recently described Rhynchoconger smithi, but differs in having a larger eye diameter (12.512.9% HL vs. 9.59.7% in R. smithi), smaller interorbital space (13.113.5% HL vs. 15.018.1 in R. smithi), lower dorsal-fin ray count before vent 4447 vs. 5458 in R. smithi, and unique pentagonal vomerine teeth pattern.

Dentition patterns in bilateral cleft lip subphenotypes: multicenter study.

Here, we retrospectively investigated cases of bilateral oral clefts (OCs) to determine the clinical relevance of detailed distinction of incomplete cleft lip subphenotypes, based on morphological severity of the cleft, within the categories cleft lip with or without alveolus (CL ± A) and cleft lip, alveolus, and palate (CLAP). We further assessed possible associations between CL subphenotypes (complete vs different incomplete types) and different dentition patterns of the lateral incisor. Our analysis included 151 non-syndromic Caucasian bilateral OC-patients (8-20 years old) from the Dutch Association for Cleft Palate and Craniofacial Anomalies registry. Six different deciduous and permanent lateral incisor patterns were distinguished: normal position (z/Z), supernumerary lateral incisor (n/N), presence in the anterior (x/X) or posterior (y/Y) segment of the cleft, one in each cleft segment (xy/XY), and agenesis (ab/AB). Logistic regression was performed to show the associations between the CL subphenotypes and dentition patterns of the lateral incisor. One hundred three had complete, while 48 had incomplete CLs. Patterns z/Z and n/N were associated with a submucous/vermillion notch, incomplete CL, and intact alveolus. Patterns x/X, y/Y, and xy/XY were most common in patients with two-thirds to subtotal CL and complete CL. The most severe pattern, ab/AB, was most commonly associated with complete CL. Based on the morphological severity of the CLs, it can be stated that the more severe the CL in bilateral CL ± A and CLAP, the more severe the abnormal pattern of the dentition. Further distinction of incomplete cleft lip subphenotypes (submucous/vermillion notch, one-third to two-thirds CL, two-thirds to subtotal CL) in bilateral CL ± A and CLAP has clinical relevance.

Systematics of Neotropical electric knifefish Tembeassu (Gymnotiformes, Apteronotidae)

A new species of the poorly known and critically endangered ghost knifefish Tembeassu is described from the upper Paraná and Araguari rivers, Brazil, using external anatomy and X-ray microcomputed tomography (µCT scan). Tembeassu titanicus sp. nov. is distinguished from its sole congener, T. marauna, by a unique set of morphometric and meristic characters, in addition to the absence of a tooth patch at the anterior portion of the roof of the oral cavity and the external corner of the mouth slightly passing the vertical through the posterior margin of the posterior nare. To test the monophyly of Tembeassu and reassess its phylogenetic position, a total-evidence approach was performed through a Bayesian inference (BI) and maximum-parsimony analysis (MP). Our results indicate that Tembeassu is monophyletic and the sister taxon of a clade formed by Apteronotus s.s., Megadontognathus, and Parapteronotus (BI); or as part of a large polytomy at the base of Apteronotidae (MP). Species of Tembeassu co-occur in the Paraná River basin, and the absence of the patch of accessory teeth in T. titanicus sp. nov. may indicate that this species accesses a different food resource, and also putatively occupies a different habitat than T. marauna. Comments on the evolution of the mandibular lobe in Gymnotiformes, dentition pattern in Tembeassu, and apteronotid diversity in the Paraná River are provided. http://zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:act:691CB9A5-5CDB-4BF9-8A6FEAE877563C12

Ameloglyphics Patterns of Primary and Permanent Dentition Using Staining Method: An Observational Study

Background: Forensic Odontology is a branch of Odontology which in the interest of justice deals with the proper handling and examination of dental evidence and with the proper evaluation and presentation of dental findings. Various applications of forensic dentistry include age estimation, bite mark analysis, ameloglyphics, rugoscopy, cheiloscopy, photographic study, genetic material analysis, and PCR for pulp DNA analysis. The aim of this study is to find out the utility of Hematoxylin and Toluidine blue stains in studying enamel rod end patterns of various dentitions in forensic odontology.
 Results: In our study, Mean and standard deviation value of Hematoxylin and Toluidine blue showed the surface score of 6.4±1.782 and 6.6±1.979 respectively. Both maxillary and mandibular Permanent central Incisors showed lowest scores when compared to remaining dentition included in the study.
 Conclusion: To conclude, Ameloglyphics patterns can be studied by staining the tooth. The Ameloglyphics pattern can be analyzed using hematoxylin and toluidine blue stains. Ameloglyphics patterns can be used as a valuable tool in personal identification when stained correctly, and they have a bright future in forensic dentistry.

Gas1 Regulates Patterning of the Murine and Human Dentitions through Sonic Hedgehog

The mammalian dentition is a serially homogeneous structure that exhibits wide numerical and morphological variation among multiple different species. Patterning of the dentition is achieved through complex reiterative molecular signaling interactions that occur throughout the process of odontogenesis. The secreted signaling molecule Sonic hedgehog (Shh) plays a key role in this process, and the Shh coreceptor growth arrest-specific 1 (Gas1) is expressed in odontogenic mesenchyme and epithelium during multiple stages of tooth development. We show that mice engineered with Gas1 loss-of-function mutation have variation in number, morphology, and size of teeth within their molar dentition. Specifically, supernumerary teeth with variable morphology are present mesial to the first molar with high penetrance, while molar teeth are characterized by the presence of both additional and absent cusps, combined with reduced dimensions and exacerbated by the presence of a supernumerary tooth. We demonstrate that the supernumerary tooth in Gas1 mutant mice arises through proliferation and survival of vestigial tooth germs and that Gas1 function in cranial neural crest cells is essential for the regulation of tooth number, acting to restrict Wnt and downstream FGF signaling in odontogenic epithelium through facilitation of Shh signal transduction. Moreover, regulation of tooth number is independent of the additional Hedgehog coreceptors Cdon and Boc, which are also expressed in multiple regions of the developing tooth germ. Interestingly, further reduction of Hedgehog pathway activity in Shhtm6Amc hypomorphic mice leads to fusion of the molar field and reduced prevalence of supernumerary teeth in a Gas1 mutant background. Finally, we demonstrate defective coronal morphology and reduced coronal dimensions in the molar dentition of human subjects identified with pathogenic mutations in GAS1 and SHH/GAS1, suggesting that regulation of Hedgehog signaling through GAS1 is also essential for normal patterning of the human dentition.

The moment of tooth: rate, fate and pattern of Pacific lingcod dentition revealed by pulse-chase.

Tooth replacement rates of polyphyodont cartilaginous and bony fishes are hard to determine because of a lack of obvious patterning and maintaining specimens long enough to observe replacement. Pulse-chase is a fluorescent technique that differentially colours developing mineralized tissue. We present in situ tooth replacement rate and position data for the oral and pharyngeal detentions of Ophiodon elongatus (Pacific lingcod). We assessed over 10 000 teeth, in 20 fish, and found a daily replacement rate of about two teeth (3.6% of the dentition). The average tooth is in the dental battery for 27 days. The replacement was higher in the lower pharyngeal jaw (LPJ). We found no difference between replacement rates of feeding and non-feeding fish, suggesting feeding was not a driver of tooth replacement. Lingcod teeth have both a size and location fate; smaller teeth at one spot will not grow into larger teeth, even if a large tooth nearby is lost. We also found increased rates of replacement at the posterior of the LPJ relative to the anterior. We propose that lingcod teeth do not migrate in the jaw as they develop; their teeth are fated in size and location, erupting in their functional position.