Managing Congenitally Missing Lateral Incisors. Part I: Canine Substitution

Abstract

Patients with congenitally missing lateral incisors often raise difficult treatment planning issues. Therefore, to produce the most predictable esthetic results, it is important to choose the treatment that will best address the initial diagnosis. This article is the first in a three-part series that describes the different treatments available for patients with congenitally missing lateral incisors. This first article focuses on canine substitution as a method of tooth replacement for these missing teeth. The general dentist will learn to evaluate specific patient selection criteria and determine whether canine substitution is an appropriate treatment alternative for replacing missing lateral incisors. The orthodontist will understand how to position the canines to satisfy functional requirements and achieve proper esthetics. Finally, the importance of interdisciplinary team treatment planning is emphasized as a requirement for achieving optimal final esthetics.