Oftentimes, malocclusions are hereditary in nature, and little intervention is advised until the child has the full set of permanent teeth. However, they may also be acquired; environmental factors such as decay of primary teeth (and their consequent premature loss), thumb-sucking, prolonged pacifier use may also contribute to the development of dental issues such as spacing or crowding. Undesirable habits should ideally be discontinued to allow minimal disruption to growth and development of the jaw bones and teeth, while regular dental visits will go a long way in preventing premature loss of primary teeth and consequent crowding of the adult teeth.