Abstract
Maxillary lateral incisor agenesis (MLIA) is a condition that affects both dental esthetics and function in young patients, and represents an important challenge for clinicians. Although several treatment options are available, the mesial repositioning of the canines followed by teeth recontouring into lateral incisors; or space opening/maintenance followed by implant placement have recently emerged as two important treatment approaches. In this article, the current and latest literature has been reviewed in order to summarize the functional and esthetic outcomes obtained with these two forms of treatment of MLIA patients in recent years. Indications, clinical limitations and the most important parameters to achieve the best possible results with each treatment modality are also discussed. Within the limitations of this review, it is not possible to assert at this point in time that one treatment approach is more advantageous than the other. Long-term followup studies comparing the existing treatment options are still lacking in the literature, and they are necessary to shed some light on the issue. It is possible, however, to state that adequate multidisciplinary diagnosis and planning are imperative to define the treatment option that will provide the best individual results for patients with MLIA.
Highlights
Maxillary lateral incisor agenesis (MLIA) is the most common congenitally missing permanent tooth condition in the maxillary anterior region, representing approximately 20% of all dental anomalies [1,2,3]
Dental agenesis has been attributed to genetic factors [7], but they may be caused by environmental factors such as dentoalveolar traumas [8], or radiation therapy [9,10,11]
The susceptibility of maxillary lateral incisors to dental agenesis has been associated with their anatomical position in the maxillary arch and the fact that they are the last teeth to develop in their respective classes [3]
Summary
Maxillary lateral incisor agenesis (MLIA) is the most common congenitally missing permanent tooth condition in the maxillary anterior region (esthetic zone), representing approximately 20% of all dental anomalies [1,2,3]. Among the options available to the clinician are the possibility of space closure with mesial repositioning of canines, followed by teeth recontouring; or a combination of space opening and prosthetic replacement of the missing lateral incisor [14,15,16,17,18].
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have