Abstract
Objective: Congenitally missing maxillary lateral incisors present challenges to dentists in terms of treatment planning and can negatively affect aesthetics and function in patients. The aim of the present study was to determine the preferred treatment approach of dentists with different specialties. Material and Methods: We carried out a descriptive, cross-sectional study using a questionnaire that was self-administered to 12 specialists in removable prosthodontics, 18 specialists in restorative dentistry, 14 specialists in orthodontics, and 173 registered general dentists. Results: General practitioners (72.7%), prosthodontists (92.9%) and, restorative dentists (80%) preferred prosthodontic replacement of missing maxillary lateral incisors, while orthodontists (57.1%) preferred canine substitution. Most general practitioners (62.7%), prosthodontists (71.4%), and orthodontists (92.9%), as well as many restorative specialists (40%), preferred implant-retained crowns for prosthetic replacement of missing lateral incisors. The dental specialties differed significantly in terms of their preferred modalities for treating children over the age of 12 years. General practitioners (56%) preferred removable partial dentures (RPDs), while a mere 17.2% preferred to carry out no treatment. All prosthodontists (100%) preferred treatment with RPDs. Restorative dentists preferred RPDs and adhesive bridges in equal number (33.3% in each case). Fifty percent of orthodontists treating children with missing lateral incisors preferred RPDs, followed by (28.6%) who preferred canine substitution. Conclusion: Preference varied for several reasons among dentists’ treating both adults and children over 12 years of age. KeywordsMaxillary missing teeth; Dentist's preference; Teeth replacement; Dental implant.
Highlights
Clinicians agree that the prevalence of tooth agenesis has increased over the last decade, [1] resulting in a notable increase in the need for orthodontic and prosthodontic treatment
Agenesis of the maxillary lateral incisors is one of the most commonly treated of these disorders, [2] probably because the absence of these teeth creates aesthetic and functional problems
Since the maxillary lateral incisor is in the anterior aesthetic zone, it presents challenges to dentists in terms of treatment planning and mechanotherapy
Summary
Clinicians agree that the prevalence of tooth agenesis has increased over the last decade, [1] resulting in a notable increase in the need for orthodontic and prosthodontic treatment. Patients with congenitally missing maxillary lateral incisors are almost always concerned about their treatment and want to be satisfied with the outcome because the teeth are located in an integral part of the aesthetic zone For this reason, dentists must be familiar with the treatment options available and permit patient choice based on the advantages, disadvantages, indications, and contraindications of each treatment. Missing maxillary lateral incisors are seldom mentioned in textbooks and are mostly managed on the basis of dentists’ personal experiences Specialists such as prosthodontists and orthodontists, as well as general dentists, could be biased towards treatment plans that are based on their own practice or training. The present study might help inform dentists about the different treatment options available and highlight the multidisciplinary approach that is necessary to treat congenitally missing maxillary lateral incisors. An approval letter was obtained from the Ethical Committee prior to the start of the study, and verbal informed consent was obtained from all participants
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