Congenitally Missing Lateral Incisors: Ortho/Restorative Management

Three treatment options exist for the replacement of congenitally missing lateral incisors. They include canine substitution, a tooth-supported restoration, and a single-tooth implant. Selecting the appropriate treatment option depends on several factors including type of malocclusion, overbite/overjet relationship, specific space requirements, and condition of the adjacent teeth. The ideal treatment is typically the most conservative option that satisfies individual esthetic and functional requirements. This article closely examines many interdisciplinary issues that arise when planning the orthodontic and restorative treatment for patients with missing lateral incisors. It also illustrates the importance of an interdisciplinary treatment approach in the pursuit of optimal esthetics and long-term predictability.