Abstract
Abstract Congenitally missing upper lateral incisors can significantly alter the aesthetic appearance of a smile. The orthodontic challenge is to achieve acceptable facial aesthetics by restoring the dentition either by replacing the missing teeth or by substituting the canines for the lateral incisors. The present case report discusses the orthodontic treatment of two identical twin sisters with missing upper lateral incisors, in whom the spaces were reopened to accommodate prosthetic replacement. The rationale for this treatment alternative is discussed.
Highlights
Hypodontia is defined as the developmental absence of one or more teeth.[1]
In a Point-Counter Point article published in the AJO-DO, Zachrisson et al.,[9] and Kokich et al.[10] discussed the advantages and disadvantages of space closure versus space opening for missing maxillary lateral incisors
In managing bilateral agenesis of the maxillary lateral incisors, proper treatment planning is paramount to providing an acceptable aesthetic result
Summary
Hypodontia is defined as the developmental absence of one or more teeth.[1]. In many populations, it has been reported that, after the third molars, the most frequently, congenitally missing teeth are the maxillary lateral incisors.[2]. There are two orthodontic treatment options to manage congenitally missing lateral incisors. Option one is to close the created space by substituting the canines for the lateral incisors, combined with reshaping teeth for improved aesthetics.[5,6,7,8,9] The alternative treatment involves reopening space for the prosthetic replacement of the lateral incisors.[10]. In a Point-Counter Point article published in the AJO-DO, Zachrisson et al.,[9] and Kokich et al.[10] discussed the advantages and disadvantages of space closure versus space opening for missing maxillary lateral incisors. The present article presents the treatment results of a pair of identical twins who presented with bilaterally, congenitally missing upper lateral incisors, and in whom spaces were opened to facilitate prosthetic replacement
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