Hypodontia of the Upper Lateral Incisors – a Therapeutic Approach and Factors, Which Have Determined It (a Clinical Case)

Hypondontia is identified as a phylogenetic reduction of teeth number more often affecting the permanent than deciduous dentition. The studies of several authors have reported that the upper lateral incisors are most frequently affected by hypodontia, followed by the upper and lower second premolars (1, 2, 3, 5, 6). From genetic point of view, hypodontia is determined as an autosomal-dominant ectodermal dysplasia. The functional and aesthetic changes caused by hypodontia impose the necessity of finding a therapeutic approach of shaping the permanent dentition in a way that normal occlusal relationships and improved aesthetics could be achieved. The reduced number of lateral incisors is of particular significance for aesthetics. In most cases, the necessity of performing orthodontic-prosthetic treatment is a basic requirement, especially for the patients combining hypodontia with changes in the shape and size of available teeth and dental-jaw discrepancy resulting in diastema and a number of tremata. These morphological changes in the dentition are the most common patient’s motive for undertaking orthodontic treatment. However, the normal occlusal relationships and aesthetics are not always achievable through orthodontic treatment only. Frequently, the facial soft tissue and musculature tonus depends on dental arch shape and size. These problems solution is an essential part of the orthodontist’s creative objective. The presented case is an example of the necessity of a complex orthodontic-prosthetic approach in solving this type of clinical situations. Clinician’s conformity with patient’s HYPODONTIA OF THE UPPER LATERAL INCISORS – A THERAPEUTIC APPROACH AND FACTORS, WHICH HAVE DETERMINED IT (A CLINICAL CASE)