Hypodontia

Question 1

What is the definition of hypodontia?

Answer 1

The developmental absence of 1 or more teeth (excluding 8’s). Classed as sever if more that 6 teeth are absent.

Question 2

What is the incidence of hypodontia?

Answer 2

6.4% with an increased incidence in females.

Question 3

What signs might a patient exhibit if they had hypodontia?

Answer 3

• retained or infraoccluded primary teeth.
• missing primary teeth.
• asymmetric Eruption patterns.
• delayed Eruption of permanent teeth.
• small permanent teeth.
• spacing in the arch.

Question 4

What is the incidence of missing maxillary lateral incisors?

Answer 4

2%

Question 5

What are the most commonly missing teeth in hypodontia patients?

Answer 5

1. Lower 5’s
2. Upper 2’s
3. Upper 5’s
4. Lower incisors

Question 6

What are the general treatment options for hypodontia patients?

Answer 6

1. Re-open space for prosthetics.
2. Close space.
3. Redistribute space.
4. Maintenance of the primary teeth.

Question 7

What are the advantages of opening space for a hypodontia patient?

Answer 7

1. Good intercuspation of the buccal segments.
2. Improved aesthetics.
3. May not be possible to close the space completely.

Question 8

What are the disadvantages of opening space for a hypodontia patient?

Answer 8

1. Commits the patient to having fixed appliances.

2. Commits the patient to permanent prosthesis.

Question 9

What types of retention should be considered for hypodontia patients?

Answer 9

1. If anterior space closure then consider bonded wire retainer long term.
2. If space opening, VFR’s or Hawley with pontic. Patient will need new long term retention following any restorations.