Skeletal and dentoalveolar characteristics of maxillary lateral incisor agenesis patients: a comparative cross-sectional study

Abstract

Background The aim of the study was to evaluate the cephalometric and dentoalveolar characteristics of maxillary lateral incisor agenesis patients, and to compare the findings to a matched control group without tooth agenesis, excluding third molars, from the same population. Methods The pre-orthodontic records of 72 non-growing patients, who were treated at the Orthodontic Department, Faculty of Dentistry, Alexandria University, were used to address the aim of this retrospective study. Patients having unilateral or bilateral maxillary lateral incisor agenesis, with no history of previous orthodontic treatment, congenital craniofacial malformations, facial trauma, or surgeries were divided into two test groups based on the pattern of maxillary lateral incisors agenesis (group I: unilateral (UMLIA), group II: bilateral (BMLIA)). A control group (group III (CTRL)) having a complete set of permanent dentition (excluding third molars), and having no dental anomalies was age-matched with the test groups. Measurements were performed on the pre-orthodontic lateral cephalometric radiographs and the pre-orthodontic digital dental casts. The measured variables were compared between the groups using one-way ANOVA and Kruskal Wallis tests according to the normality of the variable. In case of significant results, both tests were followed by multiple pairwise comparisons using Bonferroni adjusted significance level. Significance level was set at P < 0.05. Results BMLIA group showed a smaller SNA angle and maxillary length, a more negative ANB angle and Wits appraisal, and a larger Maxillo-mandibular differential than UMLIA and/or CTRL group. The dental and soft tissue cephalometric measurements did not show any significant differences between the groups. Dentoalveolar cast measurements showed that BMLIA patients presented with significantly smaller maxillary inter-canine width than UMLIA and CTRL patients. Conclusions Cephalometric analysis has shown that subjects with BMLIA have a statistically significant reduced ANB and maxillary length. Tooth eruption may play a role in the development of the maxillary arch.

Five-Year Follow-Up of a Child with Non-Syndromic Oligodontia from before the Primary Dentition Stage: A Case Report

“…Mochizuki et al (1965) reported that the width between the primary canines increases significantly in the permanent incisor eruption period to make space for the permanent incisors [ 27 ]. In contrast, it was reported that patients with bilateral maxillary lateral incisor agenesis have a significantly reduced ANB angle and maxillary length [ 28 ]. In the present case, although eight permanent incisors were congenitally missing, the use of dentures was expected to prevent the space from decreasing further.…”

“…In cases with congenitally missing lateral incisors, early intervention to enhance the growth of the maxilla may avoid the development of a skeletal class III malocclusion and may prevent the need for more invasive interventions later in life [ 28 ]. Additionally, in patients with anterior open bite, lateral expansion of the maxilla is recommended as orthodontic treatment [ 26 ].…”