The supernumerary lateral incisors--morphology and concomitant abnormalities.

AIM To assess the morphology of supernumerary lateral incisors and describe the concomitant malocclusion. MATERIAL AND METHODS Intraoral examination and analysis of panoramic views as well as study casts has been proceeded in 18 patients with supernumerary laterals. The widths of the normal and supernumerary laterals were measured. RESULTS 20 supernumerary incisors were found (in 2 patients - bilateral). In 1 patient - the width of the supernumerary tooth was the same as this of the adjacent normal teeth and in 12 patients - the widths were lower. In cases of unilateral hyperdontia, 4 of the laterals adjacent to supernumerary teeth were of the same, 9 were of lower and 1 was of higher widths than the contralateral ones. Supernumerary teeth were causing midline shift in 10 patients, significant space deficiency - in 4, ectopic eruption - in 1 and excessive overjet - in 4. In 3 patients the permanent supernumerary incisors were not yet erupted and in 1 patient the tooth was retained. CONCLUSIONS The supernumerary lateral incisors were smaller than the adjacent ones, whereas the normal lateral incisors adjacent to supernumerary ones were smaller than the contralateral incisors. The concomitant occlusal anomalies were: excessive overjet, crowding or ectopic eruption and midline shift.