A new methodological and clinical approach for the treatment of upper lateral incisors agenesis: the posterior space opening.

UNLABELLED: AIM The purpose of this study is to present a new clinical approach for the treatment of upper lateral incisor agenesis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A new treatment option was conceived and applied: posterior space opening as a safeguard of occlusal integrity and dental and periodontal aesthetics of the front teeth. This is acheved by means of the anterior space closure, with the mesialisation of the canines and the bicuspids, combined with a posterior space opening to create adequate room for the placement of an implant in the second premolar area. The obtained space should be maintained with a space retainer or a provisional Maryland bridge until the patient is old enough to undergo implant rehabilitation and the canines must be reshaped into a lateral incisor. CONCLUSION: The results of this treatment are a correct teeth alignment, without diastema, Class I occlusion, and occlusal integrity with all natural teeth in the anterior area. In this way there are many advantages for the patient; so it is an effective approach.