1. Tooth development occurs in 8 stages from bud to eruption. It begins with the formation of the primary epithelial band at 6 weeks of development.
2. There are 3 main stages of tooth development: bud, cap, and bell stage. In the bud stage, epithelial buds form surrounded by mesenchyme. In the cap stage, the enamel organ forms a cap shape over the dental papilla.
3. In the bell stage, the enamel organ resembles a bell deepening over the dental papilla. Histodifferentiation of ameloblasts and odontoblasts occurs and tooth shape is established.