TREATMENT OF CONGENITALLY MISSING PERMANENT MAXILLARY LATERAL INCISORS PROSTHETIC VS. ORTHODONTIC APPROACHES – CASE REVIEW

Abstract

Aim of the study. The aim of this study is to describe and discuss part of the methods of treatment of the congenitally missing permanent maxillary incisor, in order to guide clinicians in their decision-making process in terms of treatment plan. Materials and methods. A metaanalysis was carried out based on a total of 30 articles selected from the literature listed on Pub-Med, Google Scholar, Research Gate databases. Results. From the analysis of the data from the articles of the last 10 years, the majority of treatment options consisted in impantation or orthodontic treatment, both being a succesful long term treatment of congenitally missing permanent maxillary lateral incisors. Conclusion. An interdisciplinary approach is necessary to provide the most predictable treatment results when single-tooth implants are inserted to replace congenitally missing lateral incisors. In the past, however, neither approach produced results that were entirely satisfactory from an esthetic and functional standpoint. Selecting the appropriate treatment option depends on the malocclusion, anterior relationship, specific space requirements and condition of the adjacent teeth. The ideal treatment is the most conservative option that satisfies individual esthetics and functional requirements.