Tooth eruption is composed of an active and passive phase, and when one of these phases is not fully completed, it can have a negative impact on the appearance, position, and function of your teeth. Normal tooth eruption begins with active eruption with the crown of the tooth fully emerging from the bone into its correct position. The passive eruption phase then takes place where the gum tissue moves vertically to expose the full crown of the tooth. Altered active eruption occurs when the crown of the tooth does not fully emerge, leaving some of it below the bone and resulting in a shortened appearance of the teeth. Conversely, altered passive eruption occurs when the crown of the tooth has fully emerged from the bone, but the gum tissue has not moved into the correct position. This leaves the crown partially covered by gum tissue and also results in a shortened appearance. There are multiple options available to reposition and restore teeth affected by altered, active or altered passive eruption. Your doctor will work with you to assess your unique situation and develop a solution that best restores the position, appearance, and function of your teeth.