Multi-disciplinary approach for space management of microdontia and upper central incisor retention: a case report

In human dentition characteristics, complex processes intervene that have a close relationship with the growth and development of the whole craniofacial complex mainly in bones such as the maxilla and the mandible. Dental morphology is determined by environmental and genetic factors which are in a dynamic relationship that may cause single, partial or complete anomalies in dental development. Dental anomalies affect not only form, size, position, number and developmental time but modify their histologic structure as well.1 Microdontia is an anomaly in which the affected teeth are smaller than normal.2 Teeth affl icted by size anomalies constitute cases of interest for the professional due to the problems in arch length that they may cause as well as to the facial esthetics challenge they pose; they may cause misalignment and undesirable dental drifts which support further, more serious problems (i.e. dental retention). Each microdontia case must be diagnosed and assessed according to its particularities.3,4 Radiographic imaging constitutes a valuable auxiliary for the identification of growth and development anomalies, since they may be detected by this method before the tooth’s eruption. The consulted statistical data has established that microdontia is more common in the incisor area, specifi cally in lateral incisors, but may appear in any area of the dental arches.5 Multi-disciplinary approach for space management of microdontia and upper central incisor retention: a case report