Outcome of orthodontic space closure with a missing maxillary central incisor

Multidisciplinary management of missing maxillary central incisors in children and adolescents

Missing maxillary central incisors can impact a patient's psychological wellbeing and smile aesthetics. Comprehensive management of such cases requires a multidisciplinary team approach, often involving orthodontic, paediatric and restorative dental teams. This paper summarises the various management options for these complex patients.

Management of a Class I malocclusion with traumatically avulsed maxillary central and lateral incisors

This case report describes orthodontic space closure for managing an avulsed maxillary central incisor and a lateral incisor in a growing girl with a Class I deep bite malocclusion with moderate lower and mild upper crowding. The treatment approach moved a central incisor across the midline and substituted a lateral incisor for a central incisor, in combination with canine substitution. Veneers on all maxillary anterior teeth attained acceptable esthetics. The right central incisor was moved to serve as the avulsed left central incisor. The right lateral incisor was moved to the position of the right central incisor and restored. The canines on both sides were substituted as lateral incisors; the posterior occlusion was left in Class II. Mesialization of central and lateral incisors with prosthetic rehabilitation is an acceptable treatment option.

Torturous path of an elastic gap band: Interdisciplinary approach to orthodontic treatment for a young patient who lost both maxillary central incisors after do-it-yourself treatment

Spacing between the maxillary anterior teeth is a common concern for young patients and their parents. Patients often consider a diastema to be an annoying but minor problem; they might consult their general dentists for help, or try to address the issue themselves by applying elastic "gap bands." Moreover, parents, without any informed consent, sometimes accept this erroneous method as an easy and inexpensive treatment approach. A 9-year-old boy had severe acute periodontitis involving the maxillary central incisors caused by the placement of an elastic band and its apical migration. Despite periodontal and surgical interventions, the maxillary central incisors were finally extracted, and the patient started orthodontic treatment. The orthodontic treatment plan included maxillary lateral incisor substitution to replace the lost central incisors and mesialization of the maxillary posterior dentition. An interdisciplinary approach with excellent cooperation among the orthodontist, general dentist, and other dental specialists obtained an esthetically pleasing and optimized functional result. Treating the diastema between the anterior teeth with elastic gap bands and without fixed orthodontic appliances should be avoided. Patients should seek proper orthodontic advice for even small-scale orthodontic problems to prevent catastrophic outcomes, as exhibited in this case report.

Transdisciplinary treatment of Class III malocclusion using conventional implant-supported anchorage: 10-year posttreatment follow-up

INTRODUCTION:

Combined treatment offers advantages for partially edentulous patients. Conventional implants, used as orthodontic anchorage, enable previous orthodontic movement, which provides appropriate space gain for crown insertion.

OBJECTIVE:

This case report describes the treatment of a 61-year and 10-month-old patient with negative overjet which made ideal prosthetic rehabilitation impossible, thereby hindering dental and facial esthetics.

CASE REPORT:

After a diagnostic setup, conventional implants were placed in the upper arch to anchor intrusion and retract anterior teeth. Space gain for lateral incisors was achieved in the lower arch by means of an orthodontic appliance.

CONCLUSIONS:

Integrated planning combining Orthodontics and Implantology provided successful treatment by means of conventional implant-supported anchorage. The resulting occlusal relationship proved stable after 10 years.

Missing upper incisors: a retrospective study of orthodontic space closure versus implant

Background

The aim of this retrospective study was to compare the esthetic, periodontal, and functional outcomes of orthodontic space closure versus implant substitution in patients with missing maxillary incisors 5 years after completion of treatment.

Methods

The study group consisted of ten patients treated with orthodontic space closure (six males, four females, mean age 19 ± 2.1 years at the completion of treatment) and ten patients treated with implant insertion (five males, five females, mean age 20 ± 1.4 years at the time of implant insertion). Tooth mobility, plaque index, probing depth, infraocclusion, open gingival embrasure (black triangle), and temporomandibular joint function were recorded at the 5.6 years follow-up. Self-perceived dental esthetic appearance was also evaluated through a visual analog scale (VAS) questionnaire. T-test was used to evaluate the data.

Results

All patients were equally satisfied with the appearance of their teeth 5.6 ± 0.4 years after the completion of treatment. No statistically significant differences were found in relation to the VAS scores of the subjects (P < 0.857). No significant differences were found in tooth mobility, plaque index (P < 0.632), and the prevalence of signs and symptoms of temporomandibular disorders. However, significant infraocclusion was noticed in all implant patients (P < 0.001). Probing depth was also significantly higher in implant patients (P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Orthodontic space closure and implant of missing maxillary incisors produced similar, well-accepted esthetic results. None of the treatments impaired temporomandibular joint function. Nevertheless, infraocclusion was evident in implant patients. Space closure patients also showed better periodontal health in comparison with implant patients.

Implant rehabilitation of canines in case of bilaterally missing maxillary lateral incisors

This article reports the successful treatment of a patient with a malocclusion and missing maxillary lateral incisors with an unusual implant-prosthetic rehabilitation in place of the canines. A man, 25 years 5 months of age, was referred by his general dentist with the chief complaint of retained maxillary deciduous canines. He had a skeletal Class I and an Angle Class I malocclusion with an open-bite tendency and prolonged retention of both deciduous canines. The malocclusion was treated with extraction of the maxillary deciduous canines, a fixed edgewise appliance, and implant-prosthesis rehabilitation in place of the canines. A functional and an esthetic occlusion was achieved.

Congenitally missing maxillary lateral incisors: functional and periodontal aspects in patients treated with implants or space closure and tooth re-contouring

To evaluate functional and periodontal aspects in patients with unilateral or bilateral congenitally missing maxillary lateral incisors, treated with either implants or space closure and tooth re-contouring. The sample consisted of 68 volunteers, divided into 3 groups: SCR - space closure and tooth re-contouring with composite resin (n = 26); SOI – implants placed in the area of agenesis (n = 20); and CG - control group (n = 22). A modified Helkimo questionnaire and the Research Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders were used by a single, previously calibrated evaluator to assess signs and symptoms of temporomandibular joint disorder. The periodontal assessment involved the following aspects: plaque index, bleeding upon probing, pocket depth greater than 3 mm, gingival recession, abfraction, periodontal biotype and papilla index. The data were analyzed using Fisher's exact test and the nonparametric Mann-Whitney and Kruskal-Wallis tests (α=.05). No differences in periodontal status were found between treatments. None of the groups were associated with signs and symptoms of temporomandibular joint disorder. Both treatment alternatives for patients with congenitally missing maxillary lateral incisors were satisfactory and achieved functional and periodontal results similar to those of the control group.

2 '2' 1: Orthodontic repositioning of lateral incisors into central incisors

The clinical problem of how best to manage an anterior space resulting from a missing central incisor will only be encountered rarely. The goal should be to deliver treatment results that are indistinguishable from normal appearance. This article describes one treatment approach - orthodontic space closure with substitution of the maxillary central incisor by the lateral incisor. Treatment indications, orthodontic and restorative considerations, advantages and disadvantages, as well as the evidence base relating to this treatment modality will be presented and supported by two clinical case examples.

Orthodontic movement of a maxillary incisor through the midpalatal suture: a case report

Orthodontic space closure is a treatment alternative when a maxillary central incisor is missing. The objective of this report was to present an unusual treatment in which a right maxillary central incisor was moved through the midpalatal suture to replace the absent contralateral tooth. The biologic aspects and clinical appearance of the recontoured lateral and central incisors were analyzed. The position of the examined teeth and the appearance of the surrounding soft tissues were satisfactory; however, the upper midline frenulum deviated to the left. The incisor was successfully moved with no obvious detrimental effects as observed on the final radiographs. In the radiographic and tomographic examinations, the midline suture seemed to have followed the tooth movement. The patient expressed satisfaction with the results. It was concluded that orthodontic movement of the central incisor to replace a missing contralateral tooth is a valid treatment option, and the achievement of an esthetic result requires an interdisciplinary approach, including restorative dentistry and periodontics.

Think before you extract--a case of tooth autotransplantation

Renewed interest in autotransplantation has resulted in additional options in the treatment for rehabilitation of missing anterior teeth. Premolar teeth have been commonly used after extensive modifications while a supernumerary tooth from the anterior region when present would be a more suitable option. This case presents such a scenario, with a successful outcome ensuring adequate restoration of function, economical viability and aesthetic satisfaction for both the patient and clinician.

Multidisciplinary solution for an avulsed upper central incisor: case report

This case report refers to an 18-year-old female who suffered from dental trauma when she was 7 years old caused by a bicycle accident. Her maxillary right central incisor was avulsed, and the left one was extrusively luxated. The left central incisor was correctly repositioned and immobilized with a semi-rigid splint. The right one could not be found. She presented with class II malocclusion and severe negative arch-length discrepancies in both arches. The treatment objectives were the following: recover smile esthetics by replacing the maxillary right central incisor, correct the class II relationship, and optimally reduce mandibular and maxillary crowding. Extractions of the maxillary left lateral incisor and the lower right first bicuspid were performed; thus, the maxillary right lateral incisor would function as a maxillary right central incisor, the canines would function as lateral incisors, and the first bicuspids would function as canines. This allowed for the malocclusion to be corrected while simultaneously reestablishing the smile esthetics, without the use of an osseointegrated implant. A good occlusion with coincident upper and lower midlines was achieved. After orthodontic therapy, the patient underwent periodontal surgery to improve her gingival margins. Subsequent teeth bleaching was performed, and the patient received six porcelain veneers. A combination of orthodontic space closure and prosthetic rehabilitation may be the best treatment option after severe traumatic tooth loss.