Bone Preservation for Replacement of Lateral Incisors: A Case Report

An adolescent female patient presenting with bilateral agenesis of upper lateral incisors was treated with opening of spaces for later implant insertion at adult age. During the interim period after completion of orthodontic treatment and ultimate implant placement, two horizontally orientated miniscrews were inserted in the edentulous areas to prevent alveolar ridge resorption. After observation and measurement of CBCT follow-up images, it can be argued that this new technique was effective in maintaining alveolar bone in this patient. Although bone grafts before implant insertion were not avoided, their difficulty was diminished and less operator-dependent. This enhanced predictability and clinical success.