Supernumerary Tooth Patterns in Non-Syndromic White European Subjects

Abstract

Supernumerary teeth form at an incidence of about 3% in the population, with differences among races and various clinical consequences. Information on detailed patterns, and especially on white subjects, is scarce in the literature. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the patterns of non-syndromic permanent supernumerary teeth in a white European population. A record review was performed in different orthodontic clinics and identified 207 eligible individuals with 258 supernumerary teeth. Approximately 80% of the subjects had one supernumerary tooth, while 15% had two. Supernumerary tooth formation was more often evident in males (male/female: 1.65). However, there was no sexual dimorphism in its severity. The following pattern sequences, with decreasing prevalence order, were observed in the maxilla: 21 > 11 > 12 > 18 > 28 and in the mandible: 34 > 44 > 35 > 45 > 42. Supernumerary teeth were most often unilaterally present, without sexual dimorphism. In the maxilla, they were more often anteriorly present, whereas in the mandible, an opposite tendency was observed. Supernumerary teeth were consistently more often observed in the maxilla than in the mandible; 74% were impacted, 80% had normal orientation (13% horizontal, 7% inverted), and 53% had normal size. The present thorough supernumerary tooth pattern assessment enables a better understanding of this condition with clinical, developmental, and evolutionary implications.

Keywords

• supernumerary tooth
• odontogenesis
• white people
• non-syndromic
• permanent dentition