Space Opening as a Favoured Orthodontic Approach for Hypodontia

According to a recent study published in the Journal of Orthodontics, space opening is the favoured orthodontic approach for hypodontia.

Introduction

Hypodontia is one of the most common anomalies in dentistry. It has a negative impact on oral health-related quality of life, with patients best seen in a multidisciplinary clinic to improve treatment outcomes.

Study Overview

A group of researchers conducted a study to investigate the prevalence of hypodontia and its association with other dental anomalies, as well as malocclusion. They also aimed to investigate the treatment planned for patients attending the clinic and whether the type of missing teeth affected the proposed treatment.

Methodology

Analysis was conducted on consecutive patients attending the hypodontia clinic at a dental hospital between February and November 2020. A total of 100 patients who met the inclusion criteria were identified. Data collected included the following:

• Age/sex
• Number and type of missing teeth
• Pre-treatment occlusion
• Presence of other dental anomalies
• Planned treatment

Results

A total of 100 patients (55% female; age range = 7–41 years; mean age = 18 years) were included. Of the cohort:

• 47% had a class I skeletal relationship and participants were significantly less likely to have a class III skeletal or incisor relationship.
• 45% had another dental anomaly, with the most common being microdontia.
• Space opening was the preferred treatment option for those managed by orthodontic treatment, with resin-bonded bridges most likely to be used for restoration of spaces, 86%.

Conclusion

The researchers concluded that the lower second premolars were the most commonly missing teeth. Participants were significantly less likely to have a class III incisor or skeletal relationship than class I or II. Space opening was the favoured approach for orthodontic treatment, particularly for maxillary lateral incisors.

Reference

The prevalence and management of patients with hypodontia: A cross-sectional study by Nusaybah Elsherif et al. published in the Journal of Orthodontics.

Read the full study