Management of severe partial hypodontia: case report

Abstract

Hypodontia is characterized by partial or total congenital missing of one or more teeth, on one or both dentitions. Heredity is the main etiological factor and the principal clinical features are reduction on number, size and form of teeth, and late eruption. Removable partial prosthesis, fixed prosthesis, overdentures and adhesive prosthesis are alternative treatments; and the indication is type dependent. The aim of this study was to describe the clinical case of an eleven-year-old child with eight missing permanent teeth of idiopathic etiology. The patient had facial and skeletal symmetry, normal development and was not related to any syndrome. Clinical characteristics: permanent teeth with good periodontal conditions (16, 12, 11, 21, 22, 26, 36, 31, 42, 46), primary teeth (53, 63, 64, 73, 83); overbite and microdontia on teeth 12 and 22. The treatment plan was done initially by documenting of the case for teeth analysis (study casting models, periapicals and panoramic x-rays, and photographs), and followed by the exodontics of teeth 73 and 83. A removable appliance in autocured acrylic resin, using teeth in acrylic for maintenance of functional space and occlusion was planned and carried out. An anterior track for vertical dimension gain was used because of his accentuated overbite. The patient will be monitored until the end of the craniofacial growth, when it will be again evaluated and forwarded for the final oral rehabilitation. Hypodontia diagnosis and management should be performed as early as possible not to interfere with the craniofacial development of the child.