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To open or to close space--that is the missing lateral incisor question
Lee Savarrio1, Grant T McIntyre
1Glasgov Dental Hospital & School.
Dental Update
|March 3, 2005
Summary
Congenitally missing lateral incisors require a collaborative treatment approach. Options include space opening for prosthetics like implant crowns or closing the space by modifying canines.
Area of Science:
- Dentistry
- Orthodontics
- Prosthodontics
Background:
- Developmental absence of permanent maxillary lateral incisors presents unique challenges.
- This condition can impact oral function and facial aesthetics.
- Management decisions require multidisciplinary input.
Purpose of the Study:
- To outline treatment strategies for managing congenitally missing maxillary lateral incisors.
- To discuss the advantages and limitations of various prosthetic and orthodontic options.
Main Methods:
- Review of treatment modalities for managing space discrepancies caused by absent lateral incisors.
- Consideration of fixed appliances for space management and prosthetic accommodation.
- Evaluation of implant-retained crowns, adhesive bridges, and removable partial dentures.
- Discussion of orthodontic space closure with canine modification.
Main Results:
- Space opening with fixed appliances allows for prosthetic replacement, with implant-retained crowns offering optimal outcomes.
- Adhesive bridges provide an alternative when implants are not suitable.
- Removable partial dentures may be indicated in specific situations.
- Orthodontic space closure by modifying canines is a viable alternative when space opening is not feasible.
Conclusions:
- A patient-centered, collaborative approach involving orthodontists and restorative dentists is crucial.
- Treatment selection depends on individual patient factors, functional needs, and aesthetic goals.
- Both space opening and space closure techniques can achieve favorable functional and aesthetic results.