Orthodontic perspective on treatment recommendations for missing maxillary incisors: A contemporary guideline

When managing patients with missing teeth in the esthetic zone, several critical factors influence treatment planning and modality selection, including growth status, nature of malocclusion, gingival display and architecture, chronological age, and adjacent teeth. Available treatment options include orthodontic space closure, resin-bonded bridges, autotransplantation, temporary miniscrew-retained pontics, and implant placement-some of which may be affected by continued dentoalveolar development. This article identifies patient growth as a special consideration, examines the key determinants guiding treatment selection, and presents evidence-based recommendations for management of missing anterior teeth, with a special emphasis on the anterior maxilla.