British Dental Journal (BDJ)Orthodontic Input in the Management of Hypodontia Cases

It’s time to embrace a multidisciplinary approach for treating your patients with missing teeth

Orthodontics plays a pivotal role in managing hypodontia, a condition where one or more teeth are absent. The complexity of the condition often necessitates a multidisciplinary approach, combining orthodontics and restorative treatment.

HCN Medical Memo
The findings underscore the importance of a multidisciplinary approach in managing hypodontia. Oral health professionals should consider the implications of these findings on their practice and patient care. The broader context of healthcare indicates a potential paradigm shift towards more integrated care models.

Key Points

• Hypodontia varies in severity and can sometimes be managed by orthodontics alone.
• More complex cases often require a combination of orthodontics and restorative treatment.
• Orthodontic involvement in hypodontia cases is divided into three distinct phases:
  • Guiding the eruption of the permanent dentition: This phase involves directing the growth and positioning of the permanent teeth as they emerge.
  • Using orthodontic appliances to either redistribute or close spaces: This phase utilizes various orthodontic devices to optimize the spacing in the mouth for future prosthetic replacements.
  • Orthodontic retention to maintain tooth positions during the transition to restorative treatment: This phase ensures that the achieved tooth positions are maintained as the patient transitions to restorative procedures.
• Each case is unique, requiring a multidisciplinary approach to agree on an appropriate treatment plan.

According to the American Association of Orthodontists, nearly 20% of people are born with at least one tooth missing.

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